One of the substances derived from the tar obtained from the distillation of wood. It differs chemically from the creosote obtained by distilling coal-tar. Wood creosote coagulates albumen, but does not coagulate collodion; which distinguishes it from carbolic acid, the leading product of coal creosote. It has great antiseptic power, hence its name (Gk. kreas, flesh ; and sozein, to preserve). A piece of meat steeped in it does not putrify. Both wood and coal-tar creosote are used as preservatives for timber placed in the ground.