tar
1tar
noun \ˈtär\Definition of TAR
1
a : a dark brown or black bituminous usually odorous viscous liquid obtained by destructive distillation of organic material (as wood, coal, or peat) b : a substance in some respects resembling tar; especially : a condensable residue present in smoke from burning tobacco that contains combustion by-products (as resins, acids, phenols, and essential oils)
2
[short for tarpaulin] : sailor
Examples of TAR
- <a book about the adventurous lives of tars, skippers, and pirates of the 18th century>
Origin of TAR
Middle English terr, tarr, from Old English teoru; akin to Old English trēow tree — more at tree
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to TAR
Related Words: coxswain, crewman, deckhand, shipmate; able-bodied seaman, able seaman, lubber; powerboater, sailboater; lime-juicer [slang], limey [slang]
Other Chemical Engineering Terms
Rhymes with TAR
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