Definition of pavement

The word "pavement" originated from the Old French "pavé", which means "paved" or "flattened". This word is derived from the Latin "pavire", which means "to thump or beat hard" or "to tread down". In the 14th century, the term "pavement" referred to a paved road or street, specifically one made of stones, gravel, or other materials. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any surface that was covered with a hard material, such as concrete or asphalt. In modern usage, "pavement" can refer to a variety of surfaces, including roads, sidewalks, driveways, and even airport runways. Despite its evolution, the word "pavement" still retains its connection to the original Latin root, hinting at the idea of a surface that has been carefully laid down and smoothed out.