Meaning

(mineralogy) 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..

Definitions by Sense

1. (mineralogy) 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.
2. (mineralogy) Any of asbestos-like forms of several minerals, asbestiforms
3. (colloquial, attributive) The supposed material composing part of the body that is impervious to heat, or by extension other unpleasant sensations; especially hot or spicy food.
4. To coat or line with asbestos.
5. To expose to asbestos; to cause to suffer asbestosis.
6. (figurative) To insulate or buffer.

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.

"Yikes!" I yelped. "This water is scalding!" Lena explained to me that she had asbestos hands. Since it was obvious that I did not have asbestos hands, I offered to dry rather than wash.

Dad plucks the steamed Chinese charcuterie out with his asbestos fingers, places it on the wooden circular chopping board and begins slicing it into bite-size pieces before returning it to the pot.

Word Forms

• asbestoses
• asbesti
• asbestus
• asbestosing
• asbestosed

Related Words

When Should You Use Asbestos?

Use asbestos when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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