asphalt

American  

[as-fawlt, -falt] / ˈæs fɔlt, -fælt /

noun

1. any of various dark-colored, solid, bituminous substances, native in various areas of the earth and composed mainly of hydrocarbon mixtures.

2. a similar substance that is the by-product of petroleum-cracking operations.

3. a mixture of such substances with gravel, crushed rock, or the like, used for paving.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover or pave with asphalt.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or containing asphalt.

   asphalt tile.

asphalt British  

/ -fɔːlt, ˈæʃ-, ˈæsfælt /

noun

1. any of several black semisolid substances composed of bitumen and inert mineral matter. They occur naturally in parts of America and as a residue from petroleum distillation: used as a waterproofing material and in paints, dielectrics, and fungicides

2. a mixture of this substance with gravel, used in road-surfacing and roofing materials

3. (modifier) containing or surfaced with asphalt

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verb

1. (tr) to cover with asphalt

asphalt Scientific  

/ ăs′fôlt′ /

1. A thick, sticky, dark-brown mixture of petroleum tars used in paving, roofing, and waterproofing. Asphalt is produced as a byproduct in refining petroleum or is found in natural beds.

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Other Word Forms

• asphaltic adjective
• asphaltlike adjective
• unasphalted adjective

Etymology

Origin of asphalt

1275–1325; earlier asphaltos, -um < Latin < Greek ásphaltos, -on, akin to asphalízein to make firm, to secure; replacing Middle English aspaltoun ≪ Greek ásphalton

Example Sentences

A patch of normalcy in the midst of misery, the way a flower can grow in cracked asphalt.

From Literature

The asphalt dead-ends, but there’s a gravel driveway heading to the Boy Scout camp.

From Literature

We drive until all I can see is gray asphalt and dingy buildings.

From Literature

A year ago, the back lot of Normont Early Education Center was little more than a bare, heat-radiating expanse of asphalt.

From Los Angeles Times

Weeds grew up everywhere, through cracks in the pavement, asphalt, and patches of dry, stony soil.

From Literature

Related Words

• blacktop