tar
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a thick, black, sticky substance made from coal or wood, often used to make roads.
n.a dark, viscous, and sticky substance consisting of hydrocarbons, derived from the destructive distillation of organic materials like coal or wood.
Simple“The workers poured hot tar onto the road to fill the cracks.”
In context“The smell of boiling tar permeated the neighborhood as the roofing crew began sealing the industrial warehouse.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a computer program used on Linux or Unix to collect many files into one single file.
n.a computer utility and file format used for collecting many files into one archive file, often for distribution or backup.
Simple“You can use tar to group all your project files before sending them.”
In context“The administrator used a tar command to bundle the log files before compressing them for long-term storage.”
Synonymsarchivetape archive - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a traditional string instrument with a long neck, popular in Iran and nearby countries.
n.a long-necked, waisted lute found in Iran, Azerbaijan, and other parts of the Caucasus and Middle East.
Simple“The musician played a beautiful melody on the tar during the concert.”
In context“The tar is central to Persian classical music, known for its distinct double-bowl body covered with thin lambskin.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to cover a surface with tar.
v.to coat or treat a surface with tar for sealing or protection.
Simple“They need to tar the driveway before the winter starts.”
In context“The shipwrights worked through the afternoon to tar the hull, ensuring the vessel remained watertight for the upcoming voyage.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to make someone look bad by connecting them to something negative.
v.to besmirch or damage a reputation by association; often used in the idiom 'tarred with the same brush'.
Simple“It is unfair to tar the whole group because of one person's mistake.”
In context“The scandal threatened to tar the entire administration, regardless of whether individual members were directly involved in the fraud.”
“The once tarred roads of this area south of Johannesburg are returning to dirt.”