asbestos

noun

as·​bes·​tos as-ˈbe-stəs 

az-

: any of several minerals (such as chrysotile) that readily separate into long flexible fibers, that cause asbestosis and have been implicated as causes of certain cancers, and that have been used especially formerly as fireproof insulating materials

Did you know?

A grayish mineral that separates readily into long, flexible fibers, asbestos was used in the past to make brake linings, insulation, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement pipes, and other building materials. Asbestos fabrics were used for safety apparel and theater curtains. In the 1970s, it was found that prolonged inhalation of the tiny asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases. In 1989, the US Government instituted a gradual ban on the manufacture, use, and export of most products made with asbestos.

Examples of asbestos in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fetal remains found inside another former funeral home Another gruesome discovery in Michigan as an asbestos crew uncovers a pair of fetal remains -- the third time unborn baby remains have been found hidden in the state's funeral homes in recent weeks. —Christina Coulter, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2024

As Panel Town’s St. John wrote in his post, government and certifying bodies maintain that LVT is a safe flooring option, but further observes that asbestos and lead paint were once considered safe too. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

Faulconer in 2016 arranged the $18,000-per day lease of the building, which sat empty for years after the city overlooked its poor condition, and which city workers occupied for a few weeks before it was evacuated due to asbestos. —Andrew Keatts, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024

That’s due to several factors, including identifying gas or electric lines and if any asbestos is in the house. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English albeston mineral supposed to be inextinguishable when set on fire, probably from Middle French abeston, from Medieval Latin asbeston, alteration of Latin asbestos, from Greek, unslaked lime, from asbestos inextinguishable, from a- + sbennynai to quench

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asbestos

noun

as·​bes·​tos as-ˈbes-təs 

az-

: a grayish mineral that easily separates into long flexible fibers, that is used to make materials that are fireproof, do not conduct electricity, and are chemically resistant, and that can cause serious lung disease if inhaled as a dust

Medical Definition

asbestos

noun

as·​bes·​tos as-ˈbes-təs  az- 

: any of several minerals that readily separate into long flexible fibers, that cause asbestosis and have been implicated as causes of certain cancers, and that have been used especially formerly as fireproof insulating materials