coal tar

noun

a thick, black, viscid liquid formed during the distillation of coal, that upon further distillation yields compounds, as benzene, anthracene, and phenol, from which are derived a large number of dyes, drugs, and other synthetic compounds, and that yields a final residuum (coal-tar pitch), which is used chiefly in making pavements.

Origin of coal tar

First recorded in 1775–85

OTHER WORDS FROM coal tar

coal-tar, adjective

Words nearby coal tar

coal pit, coal pot, coal sack, coal scuttle, coal seam, coal tar, coal tit, coal-tar creosote, coal-tar pitch, coala, coalbin

British Dictionary definitions for coal-tar pitch (1 of 2)

coal-tar pitch

noun

a residue left by the distillation of coal tar: a mixture of hydrocarbons and finely divided carbon used as a binder for fuel briquettes, road surfaces, and carbon electrodes

British Dictionary definitions for coal-tar pitch (2 of 2)

coal tar

noun

a black tar, produced by the distillation of bituminous coal, that can be further distilled to yield benzene, toluene, xylene, anthracene, phenol, etc

Medical definitions for coal-tar pitch

coal tar
[ kōl ]

n.

A viscous black liquid containing numerous organic compounds that is obtained by the destructive distillation of coal and that has many uses including as raw material for many dyes, drugs, and paints.

Scientific definitions for coal-tar pitch

coal tar

A thick, sticky, black liquid obtained through the destructive distillation (heating in the absence of air) of coal. It is used as a source of many organic compounds, such as benzene, naphthalene, and phenols, which are used in dyes, drugs, and other compounds.