bitumen
bitumen definition
bi·tu·men (bi to̵̅o̅′mən, bī-; -tyo̵̅o̅′-)
noun
- Obsolete asphalt found in a natural state
- any of various black, combustible, solid to semisolid mixtures of hydrocarbons that are usually obtained from the distillation of petroleum, used to make roofing materials, sealants, paints, etc.
Etymology: L < Celt (or ? Oscan-Umbrian) < IE *gwet-, resin > Sans jatu, gum, Bret bezuen, birch
Related Forms:
- bituminoid bi·tu′·mi·noid′ (-mə no̵id′) adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comments
Improve this definition.
Share on Facebook