coal-tar

A worker pours coal-tar onto a road surface for paving.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thick, black, or dark brown viscous liquid obtained by the destructive distillation of coal, used as a source of chemicals and in the production of dyes, drugs, and roofing materials.

Usage Examples

• (The thick liquid from coal was refined for industrial use.)
• (The substance is used in paving and waterproofing.)

Advanced Usage

• "coal-tar creosote": a mixture of chemicals derived from coal-tar, used as a wood preservative.

  • Railway ties were treated with coal-tar creosote to prevent decay. (The preservative extends the life of wooden structures.)

• "coal-tar pitch": the residue left after distilling coal-tar, used in roofing and paving.

  • The workers applied hot coal-tar pitch to seal the roof. (The sticky substance fills gaps and provides waterproofing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coal-tar dye (n): a synthetic dye originally made from coal-tar derivatives.

  • The textile industry once relied heavily on coal-tar dyes for vibrant colors. (These dyes were among the first synthetic colorants.)

• Coal-tar soap (n): a medicinal soap containing coal-tar, used to treat skin conditions.

  • The dermatologist recommended coal-tar soap for his psoriasis. (The soap helps reduce itching and scaling.)

Synonyms

• Creosote: a similar oily liquid derived from wood or coal tar, used as a preservative.
• Pitch: a thick, sticky residue from tar distillation, used in waterproofing.

Related Idioms

• "Like coal-tar to a shoe": an uncommon idiom meaning something that is sticky or difficult to remove.
  • The rumor stuck to him like coal-tar to a shoe. (The false accusation was hard to shake off.)