asphalt

¹as·phalt

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

Definition of ASPHALT

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

Variants of ASPHALT

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

Origin of ASPHALT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Civil Engineering Terms

asphalt, ballast, barrage, cantilever, infrastructure, sluice

²asphalt

transitive verb

Definition of ASPHALT

: to cover with asphalt : pave 1

First Known Use of ASPHALT

circa 1859

Other Civil Engineering Terms

ballast, barrage, cantilever, infrastructure, sluice

Rhymes with ASPHALT

assault, basalt, Chennault, cobalt, cross vault, default, desalt, exalt, fan vault, foot fault, gestalt, no-fault, pole vault, rock salt, Schwarzwald, stringhalt

asphalt

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Black or brown petroleum-like material that has a consistency varying from viscous liquid to glassy solid. It is obtained either as a residue from the distillation of petroleum or from natural deposits. Asphalt consists of compounds of hydrogen and carbon with minor proportions of nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. It softens when heated and is elastic under certain conditions. Used principally in road surfacing, asphalt is also used for roofs, coatings, floor tilings, and waterproofing, and in industrial products.