tar

tar (tahr) a dark-brown or black, viscid liquid obtained from various species of pine or from bituminous coal (coal t.). It is used for topical treatment of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff, but is toxic and carcinogenic by inhalation or ingestion.

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tar

[tär]

Etymology: AS, teoru

a dark, viscid organic mixture produced by the distillation of coal, wood, or vegetable matter. Some forms of tar are used to treat eczema and other skin disorders.

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tar [tahr]

a dark brown or black viscid liquid from the wood of various species of pine, or found as a by-product of the destructive distillation of bituminous coal (see coal tar). It is a complex mixture, the source of organic substances such as cresol, creosol, naphthalene, paraffin, phenol, and toluene. Formerly used as an oral medication in treatment of various conditions, it has been found to be toxic and carcinogenic and now has only limited topical use in certain skin diseases.

coal tar a by-product obtained in destructive distillation of bituminous coal; if its fumes are inhaled or if it is ingested in its natural state, it is toxic and carcinogenic. A preparation is used in ointment or solution in treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

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tar

a dark-brown or black, viscid liquid obtained from various species of pine or from bituminous coal. See also wood tar derivatives.

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coal tar

see coal tar.

coal tar pitch

see coal tar pitch.

tar derivatives

include phenol (carbolic acid), cresols, creosote, all potent poisons. See also wood tar derivatives.

hot tar

a cause of burns in dogs and cats, usually made more severe because it sticks to the skin.

juniper tar

a volatile oil obtained from wood of Juniperus oxycedrus; used topically in the treatment of skin disease.

pine tar

a product of destructive distillation of the wood of various pine trees; used as a rubefacient and treatment for skin disease.

tar pitch

see coal tar pitch.

Stockholm tar

see stockholm tar.