Asphalt

n. [Gr. ἀσφάλτος, of Phenician origin, N. Lat. asphaltus, Fr. asphalte, Pr. *asphalt.]

1. Mineral pitch, Jew's 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, from this substance, is 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, and gravel, used for forming pavements, and as a water-proof cement for bridges, roofs, &c. Tomlinson.