asphalt

/ˌæˈsfɔlt/

/ˈæsfɔlt/

Other forms: asphalted; asphalts; asphalting

Asphalt is the black, tarry material that's often used to pave roads or fill in potholes. Your neighbor might decide to coat his driveway in asphalt.

Asphalt is a popular substance for paving roads, parking lots, and even airport runways, because it's sturdy and easy to repair. When old asphalt roads are torn up or repaved, the asphalt can be reused in new highway or road projects. Asphalt is usually manufactured from oil, or petroleum, but there are more ecologically friendly ways to make it, including using molasses, rice, or potato starch.

Definitions of asphalt

1. noun

   a dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation; consists mainly of hydrocarbons
   synonyms: mineral pitch

   type of:

   mineral

   solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
2. noun

   mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand; used especially for paving but also for roofing
   type of:

   pavement, paving, paving material

   material used to pave an area
3. verb

   cover with tar or asphalt
   “asphalt the driveway”

   type of:

   pave

   cover with a material such as stone or concrete to make suitable for vehicle traffic