As-bēs'tus or As-bēs'tos, n.

n. [Lat. asbestus, Gr. ἄσβεστος, a mineral unaffected by fire; as an a., inextinguishable, from a priv. and σβέννυμι, to extinguish.] (Min.) A variety of hornblende and pyroxene, occurring in long, delicate fibers, or fibrous masses or seams, usually of a white or gray color, but sometimes greenish or reddish.

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. Asbestos is also employed in the manufacture of iron safes, and for lamp-wicks. Dana.