a distillate obtained mostly by high-temperature carbonization of bituminous coal and consisting mainly of liquid and solid aromatic hydrocarbons with appreciable quantities of tar acids and tar bases —note 1. creosote is heavier than water and has a continuous boiling range of at least 125°C beginning at about 200°C —note 2. creosote as a wood preservative has mostly been replaced by other chemicals This definition last updated 07/28/2008