asphalt Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand; used especially for paving but also for roofing
  2. noun a dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation; consists mainly of hydrocarbons
    mineral pitch.
  3. verb cover with tar or asphalt
    • asphalt the driveway

WordNet

As"phalt, As*phal"tum noun (Also<
  • Asphalt
  • Asphaltum
)
Etymology
Gr. , of eastern origin: cf. F. asphalte.
Definitions
  1. Mineral pitch, Jews' pitch, or compact native bitumen. It is brittle, of a black or brown color and high luster on a surface of fracture; it melts and burns when heated, leaving no residue. It occurs on the surface and shores of the Dead Sea, which is therefore called Asphaltites, or the Asphaltic Lake. It is found also in many parts of Asia, Europe, and America. See Bitumen.
  2. A composition of bitumen, pitch, lime, and gravel, used for forming pavements, and as a water-proof cement for bridges, roofs, etc.; asphaltic cement. Artificial asphalt is prepared from coal tar, lime, sand, etc.
As"phalt transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To cover with asphalt; as, to asphalt a roof; asphalted streets.

Webster 1913