tar ball

noun

1. a lump or blob of solidified tar resulting from an oil spill, natural seepage from the sea, or other source, that resists biodegradation and often washes up on beaches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tar ball¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

As of Friday, tar balls possibly linked to the spill have been found as south as San Diego county.

From Popular-Science

After that, Williams was taken off spill and tar ball watch and put on boom removal.

From The Daily Beast