n.
Pronunciation: ' as- ˌ fo ̇ lt also ' ash-, esp Brit - ˌ falt
Variant: also as · phal · tum \ as- ' fo ̇ l-t ə m, esp Brit - ' fal- \
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English aspalt, from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos
Date: 14th century
1 : a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons
2 : an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement
– as · phal · tic \ as- ' fo ̇ l-tik, esp Brit - ' fal- \ adjective