tar

/tɑ:/

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Explanation of "Tar"

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Usage Instructions:

• When using "tar" as a noun: You can refer to the substance when talking about building roads or roofing.

  • Example: "The workers used tar to seal the roof."

• When using "tar" as a verb: You describe the action of applying tar to a surface.

  • Example: "They need to tar the roads before winter."

Example Sentences:

1. Noun Usage:

   • "The tar on the road was still warm from the sun."
   • "The sailor was known as a tar, proud of his life at sea."

2. Verb Usage:

   • "We will tar the new roof next week."
   • "They plan to tar the roads after the rain stops."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more technical context, "tar" can be used in the construction industry to describe specific types of tar products, such as "bitumen" or "asphalt," which are used in paving.

Word Variants:

• Tarred (past tense): The action of having covered something with tar.

  • Example: "The roof was tarred last summer."

• Tarring (present participle): The act of covering with tar.

  • Example: "They are tarring the streets today."

Different Meanings:

• Beyond its primary meanings, "tar" can also refer to a slang term for a sailor, often used playfully or affectionately in maritime communities.

Synonyms:

• For the substance (noun): asphalt, pitch, bitumen.
• For the action (verb): coat, cover, seal.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "tar," but you might hear phrases like "to tar and feather" which means to punish someone by covering them with tar and feathers, often used metaphorically.

Summary:

"Tar" is a versatile word in English, with meanings as a sticky substance and a term for sailors. As a verb, it describes the action of covering something with this substance.

Academic

Noun

1. a man who serves as a sailor
2. any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

Verb

1. coat with tar
   • tar the roof
   • tar the roads

Synonyms

• mariner
• seaman
• Jack-tar
• Jack
• old salt
• seafarer
• gob
• sea dog
• pitch