ENGLISH
REFERENCE

asphalt

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈæsˌfɔɫt// UK //ˈæsfɒlt// as·phalt

n. a dark, sticky material used to cover roads and paths. It is made from oil and mixed with sand or stone.

n. a black, viscous petroleum residue used as a binding agent in road construction. Uncountable in its material sense; countable when referring to specific types or grades.


SIMPLE

The road is covered in fresh asphalt.

CONTEXTUAL

Workers poured hot asphalt to repair the potholes on the main street.

COMPLEX

The smooth, black asphalt reflected the neon lights of the city, creating a glossy surface that contrasted with the rough concrete sidewalks.

Origin

From Late Latin asphaltum, from Ancient Greek ἄσφαλτος (ásphaltos, “asphalt, bitumen”). Displaced native Old English eorþteoru.

Idioms1 entry

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