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paving material

paving material

3.7
Material that covers roads or paths to make them firm and flat
  • noun
  • /ˈpeɪvɪŋ məˈtɪrɪəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : material de pavimentación
  • The park's walking paths are lined with eco-friendly paving materials that blend well with the natural surroundings.

Examples

  • Elsewhere in the same industry, however, glass scrap is routinely added to asphalt road-paving material, giving rise to the name "glasphalt."

    Academic text (1994)
  • RCC was researched and identified as a cost-effective, long-term paving material for our site.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The construction workers used a durable paving material to ensure the new road would last for many years.

  • After much research, they selected a low-cost paving material that could withstand harsh weather conditions.

Synonyms

gravel
vspaving material
99 1.4

Small loose stones and pebbles used on paths or driveways

denotes firm surfacing substances rather than loose, unbound coverings
asphalt
vspaving material
56 3.9

A dark sticky material used to make roads and keep roofs dry

is any substance for making firm outdoor surfaces, not only this mixture
tarmac
vspaving material
41 3.3

A hard smooth surface or material made from tar and small stones used for roads and airports

is a general term for substances that create those hard outdoor surfaces
cobble
vspaving material
  • Archaic
5 7.7

A rounded stone used to pave old streets

refers to general surfacing substances rather than old shaped street stones
paving stone
vspaving material
3 2.8

A flat piece of stone used to make a hard surface for paths or roads

is the broader category of substances used to form those even surfaces
paver
vspaving material
2 3.6

A flat stone or concrete block used to make paths and patios

refers more widely to substances used to make firm outdoor surfaces
paving
vspaving material
1 2.2

A hard surface, like a road, made for people and vehicles to move on

refers specifically to substances used to make such firm surfaces
tarmacadam
vspaving material
  • UK
1 8.6

A road surface made from tar and small stones

is the general class of substances used to form firm outdoor surfaces
asphaltum
vspaving material
  • Archaic
7.2

A dark tar-like material used to make roads and keep surfaces dry

is a broader name for any material used to create firm surfaces

How Durable

concrete
224 1.0
asphalt
56 3.9
paving material
  • Specialized
3.7
gravel
99 1.4
sand
485 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

paving + material

The meaning 'a substance used for surfacing roads or paths' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'paving' (surface material for walking or driving) with 'material' (a substance). This is a straightforward, compositional noun phrase found across languages and thus a B1 learner who knows both words should readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase paving material comes from the simple idea of paving—laying down stones, gravel, or asphalt to make a road or path—and material, the stuff used. So, 'paving material' means the substance used to make a firm, flat surface like a road, sidewalk, or driveway.