[as.phalt] also as.phal.tum n [ME aspalt, fr. LL aspaltus, fr. Gk asphaltos] (14c) 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 adj
[2]asphalt vt (ca. 1859): to cover with asphalt: pave 1