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asfalto

asphalt

noun as-FAHL-toh Rare

Origin: From Greek asphaltos, possibly of Semitic origin.

Also means

tarmac

Usage Note

Asfalto is masculine and refers to the road surface material. In everyday speech Italians may use it loosely for any paved road surface. A related verb is asfaltare (to asphalt/pave). The phrase sull'asfalto (on the asphalt/road) is common in sports journalism describing cycling or Formula 1 races.

Examples

"L'asfalto era bollente per il caldo."

Natural Translation

The asphalt was scorching from the heat.

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