bitumen

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbɪtjʊmən/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtained naturally or as a residue from petroleum distillation. It is used for road surfacing and roofing.
  • Australian informal a tarred road surface: a kilometre and a half of bitumen

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting naturally occurring asphalt used as mortar): from Latin