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 even greater tragedy, said his son, is that the death of Stokes, who had worked in creating incinerator devices for more than 25 years, was apparently caused by his exposure to asbestos in his work. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Camie Hubbard lives on Craftmont Avenue in Pittsburgh and claims a mitigation contractor hired by their insurance company tore into their home without proper testing or safeguards in place, exposing them to contaminants like lead and asbestos. —Erika Stanish, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

The Fed explained that some of the higher costs were due to unforeseen issues, such as asbestos and a high water table. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026

An August disciplinary letter obtained via public records request showed that the botched carpet removal caused $22,000 in damages, with the majority of the cost attributed to asbestos abatement and removal. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 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
• 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