Bitumen

['bɪtjʊmən] or [bə'tumən]

Definition

(noun.) any of various naturally occurring impure mixtures of hydrocarbons.

Typed by Garrett--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) Mineral pitch; a black, tarry substance, burning with a bright flame; Jew's pitch. It occurs as an abundant natural product in many places, as on the shores of the Dead and Caspian Seas. It is used in cements, in the construction of pavements, etc. See Asphalt.

(n.) By extension, any one of the natural hydrocarbons, including the hard, solid, brittle varieties called asphalt, the semisolid maltha and mineral tars, the oily petroleums, and even the light, volatile naphthas.

Editor: Sidney

Definition

n. a name applied to various inflammable mineral substances as naphtha petroleum asphaltum.—v.t. Bitū′minate to mix with or make into bitumen—also Bitū′minise.—adjs. Bitū′minous Bitūmed′ (Shak.) impregnated with bitumen.

Edited by Gene