noun
asbestos
az-BES-tus/æzˈbestəs/
A fibrous, fire-resistant mineral once widely used in insulation.
The building survey identifies asbestos in the old pipe insulation.
Etymology
The Greek pieces mean “inextinguishable,” a name used for quicklime. That name was transferred to mineral fiber capable of being woven into cloth that would not burn.
In context
the asbestos family of minerals have been used in heat-resistant fabrics, paints and plastics, paper products, car brakes and clutches, and in building materials such as roofing, siding, flooring and insulation.
More examples
- The report documents where asbestos was used.
- The museum label describes the material's asbestos fibers.
- The renovation plan includes professional removal of the asbestos.
Similar words
- insulation
- A broad protective material category rather than this specific mineral.