retinasphalt
(rɛtɪnˈæsfælt)
Also -asphalt-um.
[f. Gr. ῥητίνη resin + L. asphaltum asphalt. So F. rétinasphalte.]
A fossil resin found with lignite.
| α 1804 Hatchett in Phil. Trans. XCIV. 410 As it has been proved to consist partly of a resin and partly of a bituminous substance, I am induced to call it Retinasphaltum. 1826 Henry Elem. Chem. II. 318 Retinasphaltum..has no elasticity; but is brittle, and breaks with a glassy fracture. Its colour is pale ochre yellow; its specific gravity 1·135. |
| β 1816 Jameson Syst. Min. (ed. 2) II. 411. 1818 W. Phillips Outlines Min. & Geol. (ed. 3) 71 Retinasphalt..is brittle and soft, and consists of resin, asphalt and earth. 1857 Miller Elem. Chem., Org. (1862) 124 Fossil Resins, and Bitumen.—These substances include amber, retinasphalt, asphalt, retinite. |