'asphaltus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'asphaltus', which was borrowed from Greek 'asphaltos' (ἄσφαλτος), where the root meant 'not to be moved, secure' and referred to a hard bituminous substance.

'asphaltus' entered Latin from Greek 'asphaltos' (ἄσφαλτος); through Medieval Latin and Old French forms (e.g. 'asphalte') it influenced Middle English forms (e.g. 'asphalte'/'asfalt') and ultimately developed into the modern English word 'asphalt'.

Initially it meant 'a hard, secure (immovable) substance' and specifically a natural bitumen; over time the word evolved into the modern sense of the manufactured or processed material used for paving and roofing (modern 'asphalt').