Hard, flat surfaces made of concrete, stone, or asphalt used for walking on streets or paths (called sidewalks in American English).
From Latin 'pavire' meaning to beat or ram down, which describes how pavement is made by compacting material. The word evolved through Old French 'pavement' to describe any hard walking surface.
Roman engineers invented concrete pavements over 2,000 years ago, and some Roman roads are still drivable today—they're so well-built that they've lasted longer than most modern asphalt, which needs replacing every 15-20 years.
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