asphalt

[ as-fawltor, especially British, -falt ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or pave with asphalt.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or containing asphalt:

   asphalt tile.

asphalt

/ -fɔːlt; ˈæsfælt; ˈæʃ- /

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

verb

1. tr to cover with asphalt

asphalt

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• asˈphaltic, adjective

Other Words From

• as·phaltic adjective
• asphalt·like adjective
• un·asphalt·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphalt¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphalt¹

C14: from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos, probably from a- ¹+ sphallein to cause to fall; referring to its use as a binding agent

Example Sentences

Each one consists of two layers of asphalt, which the company fuses together with a proprietary method during manufacturing, making each piece remarkably resilient to gusts.

From Popular-Science

On top of that, GAF’s DuraGrip sealant melts in the sun between rows of shingles, fusing the asphalt faces together and keeping everything stuck tight.

From Popular-Science

Simple Green is a degreaser, and asphalt is a petroleum product.

From Washington Post

Although a company that specializes in sealing asphalt might not use all three of them, you can get what will work best on your own, especially because you have such a small area to repair.

From Washington Post

Gentner and his team put samples of a common asphalt mixture into a furnace and warmed it up through a range of temperatures.

From Popular-Science

When they are full, many landfills are capped—covered with asphalt or concrete.

From The Daily Beast

Outside are a regulation-sized soccer field, baseball field, football field, and a quarter-mile asphalt track.

From The Daily Beast

Think of an asphalt parking lot, which during summer can still be warm hours after the Sun sets.

From The Daily Beast

Asphalt Jungle is sometimes considered the first heist movie, but for me it all starts with Rififi.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of laying down concrete and asphalt on the ground, the Brusaws hit upon the idea of using pavers.

From The Daily Beast

After breakfast he sauntered along the brief strip of asphalt which the villagers believe to be a promenade.

From Project Gutenberg

Felt covered with bitumen is an excellent substitute for asphalt, and is not liable to crack or squeeze out.

From Project Gutenberg

A damp-proof course has been introduced consisting of a thin sheet of lead sandwiched between layers of asphalt.

From Project Gutenberg

Asphalt (fig. 9) recently has come into great favour with architects; a layer or in.

From Project Gutenberg

"Lift Pete's forefoot—the off one, Joe," she commanded, stepping down into the asphalt court.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blacktop