creosote

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkriːəsəʊt/

noun

  • (also creosote oil) [mass noun] a dark brown oil containing various phenols and other organic compounds, distilled from coal tar and used as a wood preservative.
  • a colourless, pungent, oily liquid, containing creosol and other compounds, distilled from wood tar and used as an antiseptic.

verb

[with object]
  • treat (wood) with creosote: (as adjective creosoted) a creosoted wooden fence

Origin:

mid 19th century: coined in German from Greek kreas 'flesh' + sōtēr 'preserver', with reference to its antiseptic properties