asbestos
nounUK /æsˈbɛstɒs/
US /æsˈbɛstəs/
A gray mineral that does not burn and was once used in buildings.
Workers removed the old asbestos from the ceiling before the renovation.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A harmful material that can cause serious lung illness when its fibers are breathed in.
Doctors warn that breathing asbestos can damage the lungs.
3. A fireproof fabric or material made from this mineral.
The theater curtain was made of asbestos to stop fires from spreading.
4. Something that is impossible to destroy or get rid of.
The old rumor proved to be asbestos, lasting for years.