Main Entry:

¹as·phalt

Pronunciation:

\ˈas-ˌfȯlt also ˈash-, especially British -ˌfalt\

Variant(s):

also as·phal·tum \as-ˈfȯl-təm, especially British -ˈfal-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English aspalt, from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos

Date:

14th century

1 : a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons 2 : an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement

— as·phal·tic \as-ˈfȯl-tik, especially British -ˈfal-\ adjective