asbestos
/æsˈbɛs.təs/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.54 in modern English
10
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
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.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The supposed material composing part of the body that is impervious to heat, or by extension other unpleasant sensations; especially hot or spicy food.
Colloquial; Countable; Uncountable
verb
To expose to asbestos; to cause to suffer asbestosis.
name
Former name of Les Sources: a regional county municipality of Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada.
Example Sentences
- "All types of asbestos are potentially carcinogenic when inhaled."
- "Asbestos insulation was once ubiquitous."
- "Consul Baker, of Antung, China, states that valuable deposits of asbestos have been found in the vicinity of Kuantien, a small town lying about 45 miles northeast of Antung.[…]There are three mines now in operation, each employing about 30 workers. These workers, however, are mostly farmers who devote only their spare time to mining and use simply hammers and chisels and gather only the asbestos which lies near the surface."
- "Insulation against sound and changes in external temperature is given by a thickness of asbestos on the inside of the panels."
- "She sipped the coffee; she always did have asbestos lips."
- "They were exceptionally good and were accompanied by a chili sauce that had to be eaten with great caution unless you had an asbestos tongue but was nonetheless delicious."
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Hellenic *ə- Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-) Proto-Indo-European *(s)gʷes-der.? Ancient Greek σβέννῡμῐ (sbénnūmĭ) Ancient Greek σβεστός (sbestós) Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (ásbestos)bor. Classical Latin asbestoslbor. English asbestos Learned borrowing from Classical Latin asbestos, borrowed from Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (ásbestos), from ἀ- (a-) + σβεστός (sbestós). Compare Middle English asbestus and Old French abestos.
Origin
- Source language: Old French
Word Breakdown
- Root: abestos
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /æsˈbɛs.təs/
- British English: /æsˈbɛs.tɒs/