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

It can be brought on by exposure to certain toxins, including asbestos, coal dust or silica, the American Lung Association notes. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 25 Sep. 2023

Burn sites could still be covered with hazardous ash and other debris, such as asbestos, heavy metals, byproducts of plastic combustion and other chemicals, Maui County warned on its wildfire recovery website. —Holly Yan, CNN, 25 Sep. 2023

Other loan proceeds have so far paid for internal demolition and asbestos removal costs of $1.16 million; $380,000 on architectural fees; $330,000 on property taxes, and $290,000 on utilities, insurance, security and legal costs. —Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2023

Depending on the type of filter, Brita products are certified to reduce or remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, asbestos, some particulates, zinc, copper and select pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals, according to its website. —Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2023

But this reporting was not as widely accepted as his work on asbestos and CFCs. —Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2023

Often the houses are built with toxic chemicals, such as asbestos. —Chris Moody, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023

But as soon as renovations began, asbestos and other problems surfaced. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2023

Cases involving the law in recent years have included a health records company in Florida and a Montana health clinic that submitted false asbestos claims. —Paul J. Weber, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2023

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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