I. ˈas-ˌfȯlt also ˈash-, especially Brit -ˌfalt noun
also as·phal·tum as-ˈfȯl-təm, especially Brit -ˈfal-
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-ˈfȯl-tik, especially Brit -ˈfal- adjective
II. transitive verb
Date: circa 1859
: to cover with asphalt : pave 1