Bitumen
/bɪˈtjuːmən/noun
A black, sticky, naturally occurring or refined hydrocarbon substance used in paving, waterproofing, and industry.
Did you know?The Latin word bitūmen was used for natural asphalt and pitch, and its exact deeper origin is uncertain, which makes this one of those eerie old words that arrives in history already dark and sticky.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰei-
“A proposed root meaning 'to strike, split, or cut,' suggested by some scholars but not securely established for this word.”
Classical Latin
Latin
bitūmen
“Bitumen, asphalt, pitch; a dark, viscous mineral substance.”
Late Latin
Latin
bitumen
“The same substance, used in construction, sealing, and medicine.”
Old French
Old French
bitume
“Bitumen; asphalt or pitch.”
Middle English
English
bitumen
“A pitch-like mineral substance used for waterproofing and binding.”
Modern English
English
bitumen
“A heavy, black petroleum-derived material used especially in road surfacing and waterproofing.”