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asphaltum |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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}. 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 {Asphalt stone}, {Asphalt rock}, a limestone found impregnated with asphalt.