Tar: meaning, definitions and examples

A sticky, black substance used mainly in roofing and road construction. It can also refer to a byproduct of burning tobacco.

• The workers spread the tar on the new road.
• Tar from cigarettes can cause serious health issues.

A society that existed a long time ago with established culture, technology, and governance. Discussed often in historical or archaeological contexts.

• The ancient civilization of Egypt is known for its pyramids.
• Archaeologists discovered artifacts from an ancient civilization buried under the earth.

Refers specifically to the culture, history, and advancements of Iranian or Persian societies. Used in discussions about the historical impact and evolution of Iran.

• The Iranian civilization made significant contributions to art and science.
• Persian poetry is a remarkable aspect of the Iranian civilization's rich cultural heritage.

Commonly used for road surfaces and roofing; also can refer to a dark, thick substance made from coal tar used for sealing and waterproofing. Often seen in industrial and construction settings.

• The potholes were filled with hot tar and gravel.
• They applied a layer of tar on the roof to prevent leaks.

Usually refers to a sticky resinous substance derived from distillation of wood tar, used traditionally for waterproofing wooden ships and for coating barrels. Can also refer to the tone of sound, but not related in this context.

• The sailors used pitch to seal the wooden ship's hull.
• The barrels were coated with pitch to make them watertight.

Technical term for a mixture of organic substances, primarily used in the construction of roads and roofs. Often occurs in more formal, engineering, or technical contexts.

• The road construction crew used bitumen to bind the gravel together.
• Bitumen is an important component in the production of asphalt.