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Bitumen: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ
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bitumen

 

[bษชหˆtjuหmษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road construction

A black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtained naturally or as a residue from petroleum distillation. It is used for surfacing roads and roofs.

Synonyms

asphalt, pitch, tar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bitumen

Commonly used in geology and industry, especially when discussing its natural or refined form. It's often used for waterproofing and in construction materials.

  • The roof was coated in bitumen to ensure it was waterproof.
  • Bitumen is extracted from oil sands in Canada.
asphalt

Most often used in construction and civil engineering, particularly in paving roads, driveways, and airport runways. It's generally perceived as refined and ready-to-use material.

  • The workers are laying down the final layer of asphalt on the highway.
  • Asphalt driveways are popular due to their durability and smooth surface.
tar

Used commonly when referring to a dark, thick, and sticky substance, often with a negative connotation related to pollution or health. It is also used in relation to smoking and road maintenance.

  • The old wooden fence was coated in tar to protect it from the elements.
  • Smoking tobacco produces tar, which can damage the lungs.
pitch

Has a broader range of historical and contemporary uses, including sealing wooden ships, and can sometimes be used metaphorically. Often associated with older methods and applications.

  • During the medieval period, pitch was used to seal ship hulls.
  • The pitch on the roof needed to be replaced after years of wear.

Examples of usage

  • Workers were laying down a new layer of bitumen on the highway.
  • The bitumen on the roof needed to be replaced.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

Any of various natural substances, such as asphalt, consisting of mainly hydrocarbons.

Synonyms

asphalt, pitch, tar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bitumen

Used in industrial settings, especially in construction and road paving material. It is a semi-solid form of petroleum.

  • The new airport runway will be covered with bitumen.
  • Bitumen is essential for the roofing industry.
asphalt

Commonly used in everyday context to refer to road surfaces. Found in both residential and commercial areas.

  • They are repaving the main street with asphalt.
  • Be careful! The asphalt is newly laid and still hot.
tar

Used in both construction and medicinal purposes. Also has a negative connotation when referring to harmful substances in tobacco.

  • The old road was covered in tar and gravel.
  • Excessive smoking can lead to tar build-up in the lungs.
pitch

Often used historically or when referring to a specific kind of sticky resin. It can also be used in a figurative sense.

  • Ancient sailors used pitch to waterproof their ships.
  • The pitch of his voice was very high.

Examples of usage

  • The scientist analyzed the composition of the bitumen sample.
  • Bitumen is often used as a binder in road construction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bitumen' comes from the Latin term 'bitumin', which means 'the smelly stuff'.
  • It has roots in ancient languages; for example, in Ancient Greek, it's referred to as 'asphaltos', which also relates to sticky substances used in construction.

History

  • Bitumen has been used since ancient times; it was utilized by the Sumerians for waterproofing boats and buildings.
  • In ancient Egypt, it was used as an embalming agent in mummification processes, showing its significance in rituals and preservation.

Science

  • Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient marine organisms.
  • When heated, it becomes more fluid, making it easier to work with in road construction.

Economics

  • The global market for bitumen is driven primarily by the construction and road maintenance industries, highlighting its importance in infrastructure.
  • Bitumen production is closely linked to oil extraction, making it a key player in discussions about energy and environmental sustainability.

Pop Culture

  • Bitumen's durability has made it a popular choice in art; some contemporary artists and architects incorporate it into their works for texture and aesthetic appeal.
  • Certain films have depicted the process of oil extraction and refining, indirectly highlighting the role of bitumen in modern society and its environmental implications.

Translations

Translations of the word "bitumen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น betume

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฟเคŸเฅเคฎเฅ‡เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bitumen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bitumen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ั‚ัƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bitum

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ“ใƒใƒฅใƒผใƒกใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bitume

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bitumen

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bitรผm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์ŠคํŒ”ํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุณูู„ุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bitumen

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bitรบmen

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฒฅ้’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bitumen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะธั‚ัƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒขแƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bitum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bitumen

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,398, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.