Definition of asbestos Asbestos

/æsbɛˈstʌs/ - [atsbestus] - as•bes•tos

We found 8 definitions of asbestos from 7 different sources.

What does asbestos mean?

Noun Plural: asbestos
asbestos - a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
		amphibole a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group
		amphibole group a group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium and calcium and magnesium and iron and aluminum
		chrysotile a grey or green fibrous mineral; an important source of commercial asbestos

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asbestos (Noun)
Any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate , used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters; the small fibres can cause cancer when lodged in the lungs.
asbestos (Adjective)
Of, or relating to asbestos.

asbestos (n.)
A variety of amphibole or of pyroxene, occurring in long and delicate fibers, or in fibrous masses or seams, usually of a white, gray, or green-gray color. The name is also given to a similar variety of serpentine.

asbestos
az-best′os, n. an incombustible mineral, a variety of hornblende, of a fine fibrous texture, resembling flax: (fig.) anything unquenchable.—adjs. Asbes′tic, Asbes′tous, Asbes′tine, of or like asbestos: incombustible. [Gr.; (lit.) unquenchable—a, neg., sbestos, extinguished.]

Asbestos is a natural mineral. It occurs naturally in all parts of the world. It is fiberous, heat resistant and non flammable. These properties made it very attractive as a component in building materials and other products such as insulation and automobile brake pads. People have used asbestos from the early times. Ancient Egyptian people have already used asbestos. Asbestos is extremely dangerous for human health, as it can cause breathing and lung problems if people are around it for a long period of time.

Asbestos was linked to cancer in the early 1970s and was replaced by other materials in most applications by 1980.