'asphaltlike' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'asphalt' and the suffix '-like'. 'Asphalt' itself originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'asphaltos', where the root referred to a hard or secure substance; the suffix '-like' ultimately comes from Old English 'līc', where 'līc' meant 'form' or 'likeness'.

'asphalt' passed from Ancient Greek 'asphaltos' into Latin 'asphaltus' and later into Middle English; the adjective-forming element '-like' comes from Old English 'līc' and Middle English '-like'. The modern compound 'asphaltlike' was formed in Modern English by combining these elements to mean 'like asphalt'.

Initially, 'asphalt' referred to a natural or processed bituminous substance used for sealing or paving, and '-like' meant 'having the form or likeness of'. Over time, their combination came to mean 'resembling asphalt' in appearance, texture, or color.