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Asphalt

 - 3 dictionary results

as⋅phalt

[as-fawlt or, especially Brit., -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)
4. to cover or pave with asphalt.
–adjective
5. of, pertaining to, or containing asphalt: asphalt tile.

Origin:
1275–1325; earlier asphaltos, -um < L < Gk ásphaltos, -on, akin to asphalízein to make firm, to secure; r. ME aspaltoun ≪ Gk ásphalton


as⋅phal⋅tic, adjective
as⋅phalt⋅like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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as·phalt   (ās'fôlt')   
n.  
  1. A brownish-black solid or semisolid mixture of bitumens obtained from native deposits or as a petroleum byproduct, used in paving, roofing, and waterproofing.

  2. Mixed asphalt and crushed stone gravel or sand, used for paving or roofing.

tr.v.   as·phalt·ed, as·phalt·ing, as·phalts
To pave or coat with asphalt.

[Middle English aspalt, from Medieval Latin asphaltus, from Greek asphaltos.]
as·phal'tic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

asphalt 
c.1325, "resinous mineral pitch found in Biblical lands," from L.L. asphaltum, from Gk. asphaltos, probably from a non-Gk. source, possibly Semitic. Meaning "paving composition" dates from 1847.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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