Definition of "asbestos" []

• Either of two incombustible, chemical-resistant, fibrous mineral forms of impure magnesium silicate, used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters. (noun)
• Of, made of, or containing one or the other of these two mineral forms. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term asbestos covers all fibrous minerals with some tensile strength which are poor conductors and can be used for heat-protection."
• "The Greek word ασβεστος, meaning "unquenchable", survives as the term asbestos, a mineral once prized as a flame-retardant."
• "They are people who say that asbestos is as good as talcum powder — and I hope they put it on their faces every day."