Asbestos

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /æs.'bÉ›s.tÉ’s/

Origin

Old French abeste, from Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (asbestos, "unquenchable, inextinguishable"), from ἀ- (a-, "not") + σβέννυμι (sbennumi, "I quench, quell").

Full definition of asbestos

Noun

1. Any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters.

Derived terms

• asbestosis

Adjective

1. Of, or relating to asbestos.