Coal Tar

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /koʊl tɑr/

Phonetic: kohl tahr

Definitions

• A thick, dark, viscous liquid obtained as a byproduct during the destructive distillation of coal.
• Used in road construction, roofing, and medicinal preparations.

Usage Examples

• The road workers applied coal tar to seal the pavement.
• Coal tar shampoo is often prescribed for scalp conditions.

Etymology

Derived from "coal" (Old English "col", meaning carbon-based fuel) and "tar" (Old Norse "tjara", meaning resinous substance).

Synonyms

• Bituminous tar
• Black pitch
• Coal pitch

Antonyms

• Clear resin
• Pure oil

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /kəʊl tɑːr/
• American English: /koʊl tɑr/
• Australian English: /kɔːl tɑːr/

Historical Usage

Coal tar has been used since the 19th century for waterproofing, road construction, and as an ingredient in medicinal products.

Cultural Nuances

In some regions, coal tar is linked to traditional roofing techniques, while in medicine, it is associated with treating skin conditions such as psoriasis.

More Information

Coal tar is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained during the coking of coal. It is widely used in industrial applications, including road surfacing and waterproof coatings. Medicinally, it has been used in dermatology for treating eczema and psoriasis. Despite its many uses, coal tar contains carcinogenic compounds, leading to regulations in some countries regarding its use in consumer products. Its presence in traditional construction and medicine highlights its historical significance, but modern alternatives are gradually replacing it in several applications.