cre·o·sote  (kr ēə-s ōt ′)
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n. 1. A colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from the wood of a beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic bronchitis. 2. A yellowish to greenish-brown oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained from coal tar and used as a wood preservative and formerly as a disinfectant. It can cause severe neurological disturbances if inhaled in strong concentrations. 3. A blackish residue formed, as on the inside of a flue, through condensation of volatile compounds released by incomplete combustion of wood or other fuel. tr.v. cre·o·sot·ed, cre·o·sot·ing, cre·o·sotes To treat or paint with coal-based creosote.
[German Kreosot : Greek kreas, flesh; see kreuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + Greek sōtēr, preserver (from sōzein, to save; see teuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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