Bĭ-tū'mi-noŭs, a.

a. [Fr. bitumineux, Pr. bituminos, Lat. bituminosus.] Having the qualities of bitumen; compounded with bitumen; containing bitumen. “Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed.” Milton.

Bituminous limestone, a mineral of a brown or black color, when rubbed emitting an unpleasant smell. That of Dalmatia is so charged with bitumen that it may be cut like soap. Dana.—Bituminous shale, an argillaceous shale impregnated with bitumen, often accompanying coal. Dana.