Asphalt
/ˈæsfəlt/noun
A black, sticky substance used for paving roads and roofing.
Did you know?The word 'asphalt' traces back to ancient Greek, where it was associated with sacred rites, often used in rituals to preserve the dead.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσφαλτός (asphaltos)
“A term used for a sticky, tar-like substance, often linked to preservation.”
Latin
Latin
asphaltum
“An adaptation of the Greek word, referring to the same sticky substance.”
Old French
Old French
asphalte
“A borrowing from Latin, used to describe the material used in construction.”
Middle English
Middle English
asfalt
“The term began to appear in English texts, maintaining its association with paving and roofing materials.”
Modern English
English
asphalt
“The contemporary term widely used for the black substance used in construction.”