noun

asbestos

as-BEHS-tos

noun

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

Word Forms

asbestosed past tense, asbestoses plural, asbesti plural, asbestoses singular

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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.