A common name for the organic, or hydrocarbon, portion of asphalt. Bitumen is a dark brown or black solid to semisolid material. It was used by ancient Egyptians as an adhesive. Bitumen is currently is used in hot-melt adhesives, coating, paints and sealants. It is also used as a waterproof binder or protective coating. The name bitumen has been used as a synonym for asphaltum, tar, and pitch and was also used as a commercial product name for a transparent, brown artists pigment made from asphalt. Synonyms: asphaltum; tar; pitch. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2000); English Heritage (2000). [J. Cassar, R. de Angelis]