pine tar

noun

1. a very viscid, blackish-brown liquid having an odor resembling that of turpentine, obtained by the destructive distillation of pine wood, used in paints, roofing, soaps, and, medicinally, for skin infections.

pine tar

noun

1. a brown or black semisolid or viscous substance, produced by the destructive distillation of pine wood, used in roofing compositions, paints, medicines, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of pine tar¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

There was no putting that pine tar back in the tube.

From Seattle Times

Rasmussen countered by saying pine tar and rosin are regularly used by hitters, “so it’s not illegal,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

And yet the visual — him in a Red Sox uniform, his signature pine tar stain above the No. 2 on his back — remains jarring.

From Los Angeles Times

And yet the visual — Turner in a Red Sox uniform, his signature pine tar stain above the No. 2 on his back — remains jarring.

From Los Angeles Times

His ensuing two seasons here were filled with loud ovations and endless pine tar splotches and so many more autographed baseballs.

From Los Angeles Times