asphalt

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand; used especially for paving but also for roofing
noun a dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation; consists mainly of hydrocarbons
verb cover with tar or asphalt

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

Asphalt also has enriched many. — The Book of the National Parks, Robert Sterling Yard
A policeman glanced after her and struck asphalt. — Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole, Fannie Hurst
Then we both dashed across the asphalt in a damned big hurry. — Just a bit too fast, Hal Moore

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning