creosote

/ˈkriːəˌsoʊt/
verb
  1. To treat or coat something with creosote.
    • They creosoted the wooden deck to protect it from rain and rot.
    • The company creosotes telephone poles to make them last longer outdoors.
    • Before installing the fence, the farmer creosoted each post himself.
noun
  1. A dark brown or black oily liquid made from coal tar or wood tar, used as a wood preservative and disinfectant.
    • The old railroad ties were soaked in creosote to prevent rotting.
    • Creosote has a strong, smoky smell that lingers for years.
    • Gardeners sometimes use creosote to protect fence posts from moisture and insects.
  2. A chemical substance that builds up in chimneys and flues from burning wood or coal, which can cause fires if not cleaned.
    • The chimney sweep removed a thick layer of creosote from the fireplace.
    • Burning unseasoned wood creates more creosote buildup in the chimney.
    • To prevent a chimney fire, you should have the creosote cleaned out every year.
What does "creosote" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean