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; 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

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

"The soil is compacted, there's asphalt over them and when it rains, the water runs off into the gutters instead of into the soil."

From Science Daily

The money is owed to people who tripped on broken sidewalks or crashed their bikes on crumbling asphalt, had property damaged by potholes or falling tree branches, and suffered other mishaps involving city infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times

Along Harry Bridges Boulevard and Alameda Street, less than a mile from port terminals, asphalt streets are crumbling and other construction projects are underway, blocking lanes.

From Los Angeles Times

Surrounded by residential towers, this ordinary patch of asphalt at 11th Street and South Grand Avenue, smaller than an ice-skating rink, may soon become a public park.

From Los Angeles Times

Parking will move underground, creating six acres of green space where asphalt used to be.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blacktop