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noun Uncommon

asbestos

as-BEHS-tos
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Asbestos (noun) means a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used for fireproofing and insulation, now known to cause serious lung disease when inhaled. Example: “The old ceiling tiles turned out to contain asbestos and had to be removed by specialists.”

noun
1
A group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used for fireproofing and insulation, now known to cause serious lung disease when inhaled.
"The old ceiling tiles turned out to contain asbestos and had to be removed by specialists."
"Asbestos was banned in many countries after its link to cancer was confirmed."

How to use asbestos

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fire-resistant mineral fiber, once used everywhere in construction, now heavily regulated because it causes cancer and lung disease.

Common mistake

Removal or disturbance of asbestos requires licensed professionals in most countries — it is not a DIY material.

Common pairings
asbestos removal contains asbestos asbestos exposure
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Word forms

Plural
asbestoses, asbesti
Third person singular
asbestoses
Past tense
asbestosed
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old ceiling tiles turned out to contain _____ and had to be removed by specialists.

Etymology

From Greek asbestos, meaning "unquenchable" — the ancient Greeks named it for its remarkable resistance to fire, long before its health dangers were understood.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Frequently asked questions

What does “asbestos” mean?
The word “asbestos” means a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used for fireproofing and insulation, now known to cause serious lung disease when inhaled. In plain terms, a fire-resistant mineral fiber, once used everywhere in construction, now heavily regulated because it causes cancer and lung disease.
How do you pronounce “asbestos”?
“Asbestos” is pronounced as-BEHS-tos (/æzˈbɛs.təs/ in IPA).
How do you use “asbestos” in a sentence?
Here is “asbestos” used in a sentence: “The old ceiling tiles turned out to contain asbestos and had to be removed by specialists.”
What part of speech is “asbestos”?
“Asbestos” is a noun.
Where does the word “asbestos” come from?
The word “asbestos” comes from Ancient Greek. From Greek asbestos, meaning "unquenchable" — the ancient Greeks named it for its remarkable resistance to fire, long before its health dangers were understood.
Is “asbestos” a common word?
“Asbestos” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Why was asbestos used in buildings if it causes lung disease?
Asbestos was widely used for fireproofing and insulation because of its heat-resistant fibrous properties, long before its health risks were fully understood. It is now known to cause serious lung disease when its fibers are inhaled.
What is the difference between asbestos and other insulation materials?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, whereas modern insulation materials are typically synthetic and manufactured specifically to avoid the health hazards asbestos poses. Unlike many modern alternatives, asbestos is now known to cause serious lung disease when inhaled.
Is asbestos still used today?
Asbestos was once widely used for fireproofing and insulation, but its use has been sharply curtailed since it was found to cause serious lung disease when inhaled. Older buildings may still contain it from before this risk was known.

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Words with Greek origins