- For the computer term, see tar file format.
Tar is a viscous black liquid which is derived from the destructive distillation of organic matter. Most tar is produced from coal as a byproduct of coke production, but it can also be produced from petroleum, wood, or peat.
Naturally occurring tar pits (e.g. the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles) actually contain asphalt, not tar, and are more accurately known as asphalt pits. Before the development of inherently waterproof substitutes, tar was used as a roofant seal for shingles, and also to seal the hulls of ships and boats and to waterproof sails. It is also a vital component of the first sealed or tarmac roads.
Tar is also the common name for the resinous partially combusted particulate matter produced by the burning of tobacco, cannabis, and other plant material in the act of smoking. Tar is purportedly the most destructive component in habitual tobacco smoking, accumulating in the smoker's lungs over time and damaging them through various biochemical and mechanical processes.
Musical instruments
Drum
Tar is the name of a single-headed drum played from Turkey to Morocco. It is held mainly with one hand, although the playing hand supports the drum to a certain extent while playing. It has an open tone, and is often either played for accompaniment to other instruments or in tar-ensembles.
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Lute
Tar is also the name of a long necked, waisted lute. It can be found in Azerbaijan, Persia, Georgia, Armenia and other areas near the Caucausus Region. The word تار tar itself means string in Persian. This is the root of the name "guitar" as well as more exotic instruments like the sitar. The place of origin of the tar cannot be confirmed. Armenians, Iranians, and Azerbaijanians will all commonly argue that their respective cultures invented it.
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