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asphalt

road surfacing material / to pave with asphalt
NounTransitive Verb
past: asphaltedpp: asphalteding: asphalting

This term describes a heavy, viscous material characterized by its adhesive properties and deep black color. It evokes an industrial atmosphere of construction, heat, and urban infrastructure, often associated with the smell of hot tar during roadwork. As a noun, it is treated as a mass noun because it refers to a substance rather than individual units. It does not have a plural form in standard usage; instead, quantities are measured using terms like tons or loads.

Meanings

Noun

A thick, black, sticky substance derived from petroleum or naturally occurring minerals, used for surfacing roads and parking lots.

"The road crew began laying fresh asphalt on the highway."

Transitive Verb
[~ something]

To cover a surface with a layer of asphalt.

"The city plans to asphalt the old dirt road by next summer."

Last Updated: June 12, 2026Report an Error