asbestos Hear it!

asbestos definition

as·bes·tos or asbestus as·bes′·tus (as bes′təs, az-)

noun

any of several grayish minerals, as amphiboles (esp. actinolite) or serpentines (esp. chrysotile), that separate into long, threadlike fibers that do not burn or conduct heat or electricity and are often resistant to chemicals: used, esp. formerly, to make fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, etc.
occasionally sp. asbestus

Etymology: ME asbestus < L asbestos < Gr, inextinguishable < a-, not + sbestos < sbennynai, to extinguish: first applied in Gr & L to unslaked lime or a mineral other than asbestos

adjective

woven of or containing asbestos

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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