'asphaltum' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'asphaltum', which was used to denote natural bituminous substances and roofing/paving materials.

'asphaltum' changed from the Greek word 'ἀσφάλτος' (asphaltos) meaning a hard or secure substance (and the bituminous material), and via Late Latin 'asphaltum' entered Medieval and later English as 'asphaltum' or related forms (also influencing Old French 'asphalte').

Initially it referred to a hard or secure material (and the natural bitumen itself); over time the term narrowed and stabilized to mean the black, sticky bituminous material used for paving, roofing, sealing, and related uses.