Macadam

usgb/məˈkædəm/
noun

A type of road surfacing material made from small crushed stone.

The city decided to lay macadam on the rural roads to make driving easier
Visual representation of "macadam" - A type of road surfacing material made from small crushed stone

Often appears as...

  • lay macadam
  • macadam road

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "macadam"
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Road Construction

Macadam refers to the durable material used specifically for paving roads.

Illustration for Road Construction
After years of complaints, the town finally upgraded the main street with macadam.
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Historical Term

Originally, macadam was loose gravel, it evolved into asphalt which is more commonly used today.

Illustration for Historical Term
Old literature might refer to streets of macadam, meaning gravel roads of the past.
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Technical Context

Macadam is used in engineering and construction contexts, not in everyday conversation.

Illustration for Technical Context
The civil engineering course includes a module on macadam road construction.
Visual representation of the word "Macadam"

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