bī.ˈt(y)ümə̇n, bə̇.ˈ-, -(ˌ)men; U S sometimes and Brit usually ˈbityü- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English bithumen mineral pitch, from Latin bitumen, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish bethe, beithe box (tree), Welsh bedw birch; from the use of the birch tree as a source of tar — more at cud
1.
a. : an asphalt of Asia Minor used in ancient times as a cement and mortar
b. : any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons (as asphalt, crude petroleum, or tar) often together with their nonmetallic derivatives that are usually dark brown or black and occur naturally or are obtained as residues from naturally occurring substances by heat refining ; specifically : such a mixture soluble in carbon disulfide — see asphaltene
c. : a roadbed or other surface faced with bitumen
2. : congo 4