adjective
bituminous
bih-TOO-muh-nus/bɪˈtuːmɪnəs/
Containing, resembling, or relating to bitumen.
The bituminous material stretches in a sticky black ribbon from the palette knife.
Etymology
The adjective ending turns bitumen, “mineral pitch,” into a description of things having its nature. Bituminous therefore covers resemblance to asphalt as well as the presence of the substance itself.
In context
Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to protect residential and commercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or coal-tar pitch) is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and waterproof.
More examples
- The roof has a waterproof bituminous coating.
- The sample contains dark bituminous material.
- The mine produces bituminous coal.
Similar words
- asphaltic
- Specifically relates to asphalt or asphalt-like material.
- resinous
- Relates to resin rather than bitumen.