amianthus

noun

am·​i·​an·​thus

ˌamēˈan(t)thəs

variants or amiantus

-ntəs

plural -es

: fine silky asbestos

Word History

Etymology

Latin amiantus, from Greek amiantos, from amiantos unpolluted, pure, from a- a- entry 2 + -miantos (from miainein to pollute)

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

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