a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
"The old factory's crumbling walls released dangerous asbestos fibers into the air, creating an immediate risk of asbestosis and lung cancer for everyone inside."
Any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, chemical filters, suits, fireman's gloves, etc.
"The construction worker carefully removed the old asbestos from the walls because its heat-resistant fibers were once prized for making excellent fireproofing and insulating materials."
In plain English: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once widely used to build strong, fireproof materials but can cause serious lung disease if breathed in.
"The old building was demolished because inspectors found dangerous asbestos in its walls and insulation."
Usage: Asbestos is a hazardous fibrous mineral historically valued for its heat resistance and durability in construction and industrial applications. Due to severe health risks associated with inhalation of airborne fibers, its use has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries despite these beneficial properties.
To coat or line with asbestos.
"The old factory workers were exposed to silica dust when they stripped the fireproof lining from a damaged boiler."
"The workers were told not to asbestos any materials in the old building since there was no such action involved with that substance."
Former name of Val des Sources.; A town in Asbestos, Estrie, Quebec, Canada
"The historic mining community known as Val des Sources is now commonly referred to by the name asbestos."
From Old French abestos, from Latin asbestos, itself from Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (ásbestos, "unquenchable, inextinguishable"), from ᾰ̓- (ă-, "not") + σβέννῡμῐ (sbénnūmĭ, "I quench, quell").