creosote Hear it!

creosote Definition

creo·sote (krēə sōt′)

noun

  1. a transparent, oily liquid with a pungent odor, obtained by the distillation of wood tar and used as an antiseptic
  2. a black, oily liquid with a pungent odor, obtained by the distillation of coal tar and used as a wood preservative

Etymology: Ger kreosot < Gr kreas (gen. kreōs), flesh (see crude) + sōtēr, savior < sōzein, to save, preserve < IE base *teu-, to swell (> tumor); so named (1832) by K. v. Reichenbach (1788-1869), Ger scientist

transitive verb -·sot′ed, -·sot′·ing

to treat (wood, etc.) with creosote

creosote Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • treat: This Directive placed a ban on the use of creosote by amateurs, and places restrictions on the use of creosote treated wood.
  • use: In a BBC2 transmission " Wild in Your Garden " in May 2003, Simon King advised using creosote soaked rags to repel badgers.
  • derive: Wood creosote derived from wood tar differs in composition from coal tar.
  • contain: This is true of all woodstoves, but with dirty combustion this contains corrosive creosote and soot as well.

Modifies a noun

  • bush: Smith, L.M. ( 1937 ) Dermatitis caused by creosote bush.
  • product: Anyone supplying, storing or using creosote products after that date may be liable for prosecution.
  • oil: They were " very dirty and smelled strongly of creosote oil with which the sleepers are soaked.
  • preservative: This method is suitable for CCA and creosote preservatives, and gives the highest standards of protection.
  • substitute: Other fencing was painted and the animal houses were given a coat of creosote substitute waterproofing and repairs carried out.
  • work: If sparks from the fire crossed the road it would get to a nearby creosote works and more timber.

Browse dictionary entries near creosote

  1. creosol
  2. Creon
  3. creolize
  4. Creole
  5. creodont
  6. crenulation
  7. crenulate
  8. crenelate
  9. crenel
  10. crenature
  1. creosote bush
  2. crepe
  3. crepe de Chine
  4. crepe paper
  5. crepe rubber
  6. crepey
  7. crepitate
  8. crept
  9. crepuscular
  10. crepuscule