asbestos

noun

as·​bes·​tos as-ˈbe-stəs How to pronounce asbestos (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The agency discovered asbestos in the floor tiles in 1998, according to the statement, but essentially kept it hidden from the landlord for more than two decades and did not post warning signs. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025 Early results show no asbestos in the drywall at the school. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 In addition to materials used in manufacturing and construction, such as graphite and asbestos, minerals like lithium are essential for many modern technologies, including rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and other green energy innovations. John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 But after an early scouting trip, Kilik's line production team discovered that the building's interior was crawling with asbestos that would require a million dollars to remove. CBS News, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for asbestos

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of asbestos was in 1607

Cite this Entry

“Asbestos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asbestos. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

asbestos

noun
as·​bes·​tos as-ˈbes-təs How to pronounce asbestos (audio)
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 How to pronounce asbestos (audio) az- How to pronounce asbestos (audio)
: 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

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