Creosote

(kre'o-sōt.) [Gr. kr eas, flesh, and sozo, I preserve.] (Chem.) A highly antiseptic liquid ofa strong, penetrating odor and burning taste. Commercial C. is frequently impure carbolic acid from coal-tar, but true C. is a distinct body, and is obtained in the distillation of wood by a somewhat complicated proce .. It is largely used as an antiseptic, and to prevent decomposition of animal matter. Sp.gr. 1-37; boiling point,397°. [s. 242]