asbestos
    n 1: a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles;
         inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer

Asbestus \As*bes"tus\, Asbestos \As*bes"tos\ (?; 277), n. [L.
   asbestos (NL. asbestus) a kind of mineral unaffected by fire,
   Gr. ? (prop. an adj.) inextinguishable; 'a priv. + ? to
   extinguish.] (Min.)
   A variety of amphibole or of pyroxene, occurring in long and
   delicate fibers, or in fibrous masses or seams, usually of a
   white, gray, or green-gray color. The name is also given to a
   similar variety of serpentine.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: The finer varieties have been wrought into gloves and
         cloth which are incombustible. The cloth was formerly
         used as a shroud for dead bodies, and has been
         recommended for firemen's clothes. Asbestus in also
         employed in the manufacture of iron safes, for
         fireproof roofing, and for lampwicks. Some varieties
         are called amianthus. --Dana.

asbestos
 adj.

    [common] Used as a modifier to anything intended to protect one from flame
    s; also in other highly flame-suggestive usages. See, for example, 
    asbestos longjohns and asbestos cork award.

asbestos

    Used as a modifier to anything intended to protect
   one from flames; also in other highly flame-suggestive
   usages.  E.g., asbestos longjohns, asbestos cork award.

   [Jargon File]

   (1996-02-06)