tarmac
UK: ˈtɑːmæk | US: ˈtɑːrmæk
n. 1. A durable road surface material made of crushed rock and tar.
n. 2. (Informal) The paved area of an airport runway or apron.
vt. To surface a road or area with tarmac.
The word "tarmac" is a blend of "tar" and "macadam," named after John Loudon McAdam, a Scottish engineer who pioneered the use of layered crushed stone for road construction in the early 19th century. Later, tar was added as a binding agent, creating "tarmacadam," which was eventually shortened to "tarmac." The term became synonymous with paved surfaces, especially airport runways, due to its widespread use in the early 20th century.
The workers laid fresh tarmac on the highway to repair the potholes.
The plane taxied slowly across the tarmac before takeoff.
The city council approved funds to tarmac the rural roads.
The heat made the tarmac sticky underfoot.
The airport expanded its tarmac to accommodate larger aircraft.