crocidolite

noun

cro·​cid·​o·​lite krō-ˈsi-də-ˌlīt 

: a lavender-blue or light green mineral of the amphibole group that occurs in silky fibers and in massive form and is a type of asbestos compare tigereye

Examples of crocidolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The types that are used in construction are white, blue, and brown varieties, known as chrysotile, crocidolite, and amosite. —David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 7 Aug. 2018

Word History

Etymology

German Krokydolith, from Greek krokyd-, krokys nap on cloth (akin to Greek krekein to weave) + German -lith -lite — more at reel

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

crocidolite

noun

cro·​ci·​do·​lite ˌkrō-ˈsī-də-ˌlīt, -ˈsid-ə- 

: a purplish blue to greenish mineral of the amphibole group that causes asbestosis and cancer in the form of mesotheliomas

called also blue asbestos