Asphaltum

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]