- Asphaltum
- Asphalt As"phalt, Asphaltum As*phal"tum, n. [Gr. ?, of
eastern origin: cf. F. asphalte.]
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}.
[1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
{Asphalt stone}, {Asphalt rock}, a limestone found impregnated with asphalt. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
