Definition of tar

The word "tar" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "ter." At the time, "ter" primarily referred to coal tar, a byproduct of coal burning used for various purposes such as waterproofing and preservation. This original meaning of "tar" evolved from ancient times when refuse from charcoal fires, which included organic compounds like hydrocarbons and phenols, would drip off the charcoal into barrels beneath. The liquid would subsequently solidify, producing a tar-like substance that was reused or sold. The word's ultimate origins are uncertain, but some linguists believe it may have derived from the Old Norse "thar" or "thār" for pitch, as Vikings also utilized coal tar for shipbuilding needs like waterproofing. As coal mining became more widespread in England during the Industrial Revolution, "tar" became more commonly associated with coal products than with pitch, pitch derivatives, or pine tar. Today, the term "tar" is commonly used to describe sticky, thick, dark substances derived from coal, petroleum, wood, or plant sources, typically with a strong smell. In addition to their initial utilization for waterproofing, tar products have varied uses such as roofing coverings, flooring, road surfacing, and preservatives for wood and other organic materials.