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

Numerous other lawsuits alleging BNSF exposed Libby residents to asbestos are pending, court records show. —Amy Beth Hanson, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024

Numerous other lawsuits alleging that BNSF exposed Libby residents to asbestos are still pending, court records show. —Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

How asbestos can be harmful for your health 02:44 The only form of asbestos known to be currently imported, processed or distributed for use in the U.S. is chrysotile asbestos, which is imported primarily from Brazil and Russia. —CBS News, 18 Mar. 2024

Aside from asbestos throughout the building, Bissett said the entire second floor needs to be stabilized and some foundational work. —Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024

The La-Mesa-Spring Valley district alone reported sustaining $10 million to $15 million in costs during the storm, from having to install new flooring to asbestos abatement to replacing much of the furniture and supplies on school campuses. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024

The blaze reignited several times, forcing the closure of nearby schools and shuttering residents inside their homes as the fire released asbestos, lead and other toxic substances into the air. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2023

The demolition, and asbestos cleanup work is being financed with a $15 million federal grant provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. —Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2024

However, the ruling did retain prohibitions against new uses of asbestos. —Coral Davenport, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024

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