Definition of ASBESTOS

asbestos

Meanings

Plural: asbesti, asbestoses

Noun

  • a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
  • 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.
  • Any of asbestos-like forms of several minerals, asbestiforms
  • The supposed material composing part of the body that is impervious to heat, or by extension other unpleasant sensations; especially hot or spicy food.

Verb

  • To coat or line with asbestos.
  • To expose to asbestos; to cause to suffer asbestosis.
  • To insulate or buffer.

Origin / Etymology

From Old French abestos, from Latin asbestos, itself from Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (ásbestos, “unquenchable, inextinguishable”), from ᾰ̓- (ă-, “not”) + σβέννῡμῐ (sbénnūmĭ, “I quench, quell”).

Scrabble Score: 10

asbestos is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
asbestos is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
asbestos is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

asbestos is a valid Words With Friends word