asbestos

n. fireproof material

The word Asbestos is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. It is distinguished from other minerals by the fact that its crystals form long, thin fibers. Deposits of asbestos are found throughout the world. The primary sites of commercial production are: the Commonwealth of Independent States, Canada, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia and South Africa.
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Noun
1. a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
(hypernym) amphibole
(hyponym) chrysotile
(member-holonym) amphibole group

n. asbestos

n. asbestos, rock cork, type of asbestos having interlaced fibers and its texture resembling cork, rock leather