coal tar
noun
: tar obtained by distillation of bituminous coal and used especially as an industrial fuel, in making dyes, and in the topical treatment of skin disorders
Examples of coal tar in a Sentence
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Vanillin can be obtained from cheaper sources, like eugenol and lignin, but the overwhelming majority of it is derived from petrochemicals, such as petroleum and coal tar.
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Sarah Jampel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 July 2025
By helping to remove that scaling, salicylic acid shampoo allows other medicated treatments, like corticosteroids or coal tar, to penetrate the scalp and work more effectively.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
During the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, the black smoke was produced using a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 May 2025
During last conclave in 2013, which ended with the election of Francis, the black smoke was a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
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Sarah Jampel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 July 2025
By helping to remove that scaling, salicylic acid shampoo allows other medicated treatments, like corticosteroids or coal tar, to penetrate the scalp and work more effectively.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
During the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, the black smoke was produced using a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 May 2025
During last conclave in 2013, which ended with the election of Francis, the black smoke was a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for coal tar
Cite this Entry
“Coal tar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coal%20tar. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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coal tar
noun
: tar obtained by distillation of bituminous coal and used in the treatment of some skin diseases by direct local application to the skin
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