Chem. [a. mod.F. asphaltène, f. ASPHALT + -ENE.] A black solid substance, burning like a resin, supposed to be the solid constituent of asphalt. It is an oxygenated hydro-carbon.
1837–68. Dana, Min., 751. A black, lustrous, asphalt-like solid, his asphaltene.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 426. Asphaltene may be formed by the oxidation of petrolene.
