# asbestos

> English word · Noun · IPA /æsˈbɛs.tɒs/ · frequency rank #14,068

## Definitions
1. 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. Any of asbestos-like forms of several minerals, asbestiforms
3. The supposed material composing part of the body that is impervious to heat, or by extension other unpleasant sensations; especially hot or spicy food.

## 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.
Latin asbestosbor.
Old French abestosder.
English asbestos
From Old French abestos, from Latin asbestos, itself from Ancient Greek ἄσβεστος (ásbestos, “unquenchable, inextinguishable”), from ᾰ̓- (ă-, “not”) + σβέννῡμῐ (sbénnūmĭ, “I quench, quell”).

## Common misspellings (12)
`absestos`, `asbbestos`, `asbesots`, `asbesstos`, `asbestoss`, `asbestso`, `asbesttos`, `asbetsos`, `asbsetos`, `asebstos`, `assbestos`, `sabestos`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/asbestos