tarmacadam etymology

Etymology:

The term "tarmacadam" is derived from two words:

• Tar: A black, viscous substance obtained from the distillation of coal or wood.
• Macadam: A type of road surface developed by the Scottish engineer John Loudon McAdam in the early 19th century.

Meaning:

Tarmacadam refers to a type of road surface made by binding broken stones with hot tar. It is a durable and water-resistant surface that was widely used in road construction before the development of asphalt paving.

Origin:

The term "tarmacadam" was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a road surface made by combining John McAdam's method of road construction with the use of tar as a binder. McAdam's method involved laying down layers of crushed stone, with each layer being compacted and stabilized before the next layer was added. The addition of tar as a binder further improved the stability and durability of the road surface.

Tarmacadam became a popular road surface material because it was relatively inexpensive and could be applied quickly and easily. It was widely used in cities and towns throughout the world, and it remains a common type of road surface in some areas today.

tarmacadam relate terms

• tarmac

  Etymology Tarmac is a proprietary brand name of Tarmacadam a type of road surfacing ma

• macadam

  Etymology of Macadam The term macadam derives from the surname of John Loudon McAdam