First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
bitumen
noun bi·tu·men \bə-ˈtyü-mən, bī-, -ˈtü-, especially British also ˈbit-yə-\
Definition of BITUMEN
1
: an asphalt of Asia Minor used in ancient times as a cement and mortar
2
: any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons (as tar) often together with their nonmetallic derivatives that occur naturally or are obtained as residues after heat-refining natural substances (as petroleum); specifically : such a mixture soluble in carbon disulfide
— bi·tu·mi·ni·za·tion \bə-ˌtyü-mə-nə-ˈzā-shən, bī-, -ˌtü-\ noun
— bi·tu·mi·nize \-ˈtyü-mə-ˌnīz, -ˈtü-\ transitive verb
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BITUMEN
Middle English bithumen mineral pitch, from Latin bitumin-, bitumen
Learn More About BITUMEN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: bitumen processPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bitumasticAll Words Near: bitumen
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bitumen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).