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 reformulation, as most of them are, was done with good intentions: The original formula was made with talc, an ingredient many brands have moved away from due to concerns about asbestos contamination. Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025 When that ash contains the noxious remains of lithium-ion packs that have caught fire, in addition to lead and asbestos from home fires, cleaning up can be challenging, requiring special disposal procedures. Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 Since then, countless attempts to patch the pipe and plug the leaks have failed, though repair crews have flooded the facility’s boiler room and uncovered asbestos piping beneath a storeroom in the process. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025 Not to mention the toxic stew of asbestos, lead, lithium, and who knows what else that had burned and settled in the air and soil. Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 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 15 Mar. 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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