Asphalt

Pronunciation

• Canada IPA: /ˈæʃfÉ‘lt/, /ˈæsfÉ‘lt/
• AU IPA: /ˈæʃfÉ›lt/
• US IPA: /ˈæsfÉ”lt/

Alternative forms

• asphalte

Origin

From Late Latin asphaltum, from Ancient Greek ἄσφαλτος (ásphaltos, "asphalt, bitumen").

Noun

1. A sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid, composed almost entirely of bitumen, that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits.
2. asphalt concrete, a hard ground covering used for roads and walkways.

Derived terms

• air-blown asphalt
• asphalt jungle
• asphalt shingle
• asphalt emulsion

Full definition of asphalt

Verb

1. To pave with asphalt.