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

Even exposure to small amounts of asbestos has been linked to health issues later in life. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2025

Johannes Thrul of Johns Hopkins says many people don't realize that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen — in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025

Toward the end, many complained it was plagued with mold, asbestos, and flooding. —Ted Scouten, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The rule, which was first proposed in December 2024 as part of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, brought the industry closer to setting up standardized testing of asbestos in talc. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025

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