ASPHALTUM
\ˈasfaltəm], \ˈasfaltəm], \ˈa_s_f_a_l_t_ə_m]\
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By William R. Warner
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A hard, bituminous substance used by the ancients as a cement, and now much employed in paving, flooring, roofing, &c.
By Nuttall, P.Austin.
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With the Greeks, this word signified any kind of bitumen. It is now restricted chiefly to the Bitumen of Judaea, B. Judaicum, A. solidum, Jews' Pitch, Karabe of Sodom, (F.) Asphalte, Bitume de Judee, Poix minerale scoriacee, Baume de momie ou des funerailles. It is solid, friable, vitreous, black, shining, inflammable, and of a fetid smell. An oil is obtained from it by distillation. It enters into the composition of certain ointments and plasters. It is collected on the surface of the water of the Dead Sea or Lake Asphaltites, in Judaea.
By Robley Dunglison
Word of the day
ASSESSED VALUATION
- This term applies to the precise value of property upon which taxes need be paid.