asphalt

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a black, sticky form of bitumen found naturally or left after petroleum is refined

   The refinery separates asphalt from lighter petroleum products.

2. 2
   noun

   a paving material made by mixing asphalt with sand or crushed stone

   Workers laid fresh asphalt across the damaged section of road.

3. 3
   verb

   to cover or pave a surface with asphalt

   The council plans to asphalt the access road before winter.

From Late Latin asphaltum, from Greek asphaltos, "asphalt, bitumen." The ancient word named naturally occurring mineral pitch used for waterproofing and construction; modern asphalt is also obtained as a residue of petroleum refining.

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