mineral pitch
- noun
- /ˈmɪnərəl pɪtʃ/
- Specialized
:
betún mineral
- The ancient builders used mineral pitch as a waterproofing agent for their structures.
Examples
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Some natural springs in mountainous regions ooze mineral pitch, which locals sometimes collect and use.
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After petroleum distillation, a heavy residue known as mineral pitch remained at the bottom of the tanks.
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The mineral pitch was used for waterproofing boats.
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Many ancient civilizations utilized mineral pitch for various purposes.
-
After petroleum distillation, a heavy residue known as mineral pitch remained at the bottom of the tanks.
-
Some natural springs in mountainous regions ooze mineral pitch, which locals sometimes collect and use.
-
The ancient builders used mineral pitch as a waterproofing agent for their structures.
Synonyms
56
3.9
A dark sticky material used to make roads and keep roofs dry
29
6.8
A dark sticky substance used to make things waterproof
A thick black sticky material made from oil and rocks used to make roofs waterproof and stop rust
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is a straightforward modifier-noun combination: 'mineral' (relating to inorganic/naturally occurring substances) + 'pitch' (a dark, tar-like material), so the overall meaning — a naturally occurring/tar-like substance — is directly derivable from the parts. This literal compositional pattern is common and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
Mineral pitch names a dark, sticky pitch that comes from the mineral world — from natural deposits or as the thick part left after oil is made. People used this tar-like material to 'waterproof' boats and roofs, so the name helps you remember it is the earth or oil form of old-fashioned 'pitch'.