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

The action came after parents and educators sued the district over concerns regarding environmental hazards at the school, including asbestos, vermin, mold and lead paint. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026

That can mean fewer repaired roofs, fewer modernized science laboratories, fewer accessible entrances and elevators, fewer upgraded heating and cooling systems, fewer lead and asbestos remediation projects and fewer safety improvements. — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Their vacuum cleaners had originally been designed to suck asbestos out of old buildings; a vacuum bag could hold forty pounds of caterpillars and their nests, and a worker could fill three bags a day. — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

The indictment alleged Cacioppo sent invoices to a Rockhurst University employee for demolition and asbestos abatement work that inflated costs or billed for work that was never done. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

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

Rhymes for asbestos

• hephaestus
• pestis
• testis

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