Hypertext Webster Gateway: "asphaltum"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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}.
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.
{Asphalt stone}, {Asphalt rock}, a limestone found
impregnated with asphalt.
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