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Tar: meaning, definitions and examples

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tar

 

[tɑːr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ancient civilization

The Tar civilization was an ancient civilization that thrived in the region of modern-day Iran. They were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

Synonyms

Iranian civilization, ancient civilization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tar

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.
ancient civilization

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.
Iranian civilization

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.

Examples of usage

  • The Tar civilization believed in the power of the stars to guide their decisions.
  • Archaeologists have discovered artifacts from the Tar civilization that shed light on their daily lives.
Context #2 | Noun

substance

Tar is a thick, sticky substance produced by the distillation of organic materials such as wood or coal. It is commonly used in road construction and waterproofing.

Synonyms

bitumen, pitch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tar

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.
pitch

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.
bitumen

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.

Examples of usage

  • The workers applied tar to the cracks in the road to prevent water from seeping through.
  • The smell of tar filled the air as the workers repaired the roof.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tar' comes from the Old English 'ter', meaning 'to smear' or 'to make sticky'.
  • It has roots in various languages including Old Norse 'tar' and Latin 'tarrae', both referring to the sticky substance.
  • Originally, the term was used for various sticky materials, not just the black substance we know today.

Historical Uses

  • Tar has been used since ancient times for waterproofing boats and preserving wood in shipbuilding.
  • In the Middle Ages, it was employed in warfare to set fire to enemy ships and for defense against invading forces.
  • During the 19th century, tar production became a significant industry, especially with the rise of railroads and road construction.

Science and Environment

  • Tar contains complex hydrocarbons, which can be harmful to the environment if not managed properly.
  • Scientists study tar sands, which are large deposits of sand saturated with thick oil, for their potential as energy sources.
  • Certain types of tar can be recycled, particularly those used in roads, to create new asphalt, reducing waste.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and movies, tar is often portrayed as a hazardous substance, leading to adventurous scenarios like quicksand traps.
  • The song 'Tarzan Boy' by Baltimora uses the imagery of tar in a lively and catchy way, embedding it into pop culture.
  • Tar has also appeared in various video games, often represented as a perilous substance players must avoid.

Art and Craft

  • In traditional art, tar has been used in paints and varnishes due to its adhesive properties.
  • Folk craftsmen in some cultures create decorative items by mixing tar with other materials, showcasing its versatility.
  • Street artists sometimes use tar to create textured, visually striking pieces on urban canvases.

Translations

Translations of the word "tar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 смола

🇮🇳 डामर

🇩🇪 Pech

🇮🇩 ter

🇺🇦 смола

🇵🇱 smoła

🇯🇵 タール

🇫🇷 goudron

🇪🇸 alquitrán

🇹🇷 zift

🇰🇷 타르

🇸🇦 قطران

🇨🇿 dehet

🇸🇰 decht

🇨🇳 焦油

🇸🇮 smola

🇮🇸 tjara

🇰🇿 құсмола

🇬🇪 კუპრი

🇦🇿 qatran

🇲🇽 alquitrán

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,129 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.