Blacktop: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'blacktop' comes from 'black' for its color and 'top' meaning the surface layer of something.
• Originally used in the United States in the early 20th century, it referred specifically to paved surfaces.
• Asphalt, the primary material in blacktop, is derived from a natural substance known as bitumen.

Construction Technology

• Blacktop is composed mainly of aggregate and bitumen, making it durable and weather-resistant.
• The process of laying blacktop involves heating, mixing, and applying the asphalt mixture to create the surface.
• Advancements in technology have led to recycled asphalt being used, promoting sustainability in road construction.

Cultural Significance

• Blacktop surfaces have become iconic in urban culture, often featuring in street art and hip-hop music.
• Basketball courts made from blacktop are a significant part of American street culture, symbolizing community play and athleticism.
• Movies often depict blacktop roads as a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the open road.

Environmental Impact

• Blacktop surfaces can contribute to urban heat islands, where temperatures in cities are significantly higher than in surrounding areas.
• Water runoff from blacktop areas can carry pollutants into nearby waterways, which can harm local ecosystems.
• Solutions like permeable pavement are being developed to counteract some negative effects of traditional blacktop.

Historical Context

• By the 1940s, blacktop began to replace cobblestones and gravel as a popular choice for road surfaces in urban areas.
• The construction of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s heavily relied on blacktop for its durability in heavy traffic.
• Advancements in road construction techniques over decades have improved the lifespan and quality of blacktop surfaces.

This word's position of #32,591 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32588 dowdy
• 32589 stippling
• 32590 sainthood
• 32591 blacktop
• 32592 sultanate
• 32593 demotic
• 32594 chamfer
• ...