Asbestus

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Amphibole \Am"phi*bole\ ([a^]m"f[i^]*b[=o]l), n. [Gr.
     'amfi`bolos doubtful, equivocal, fr. 'amfiba`llein to throw
     round, to doubt: cf. F. amphibole. Ha["u]y so named the genus
     from the great variety of color and composition assumed by
     the mineral.] (Min.)
     A common mineral embracing many varieties varying in color


     and in composition. It occurs in monoclinic crystals; also
     massive, generally with fibrous or columnar structure. The
     color varies from white to gray, green, brown, and black. It
     is a silicate of magnesium and calcium, with usually
     aluminium and iron. Some common varieties are {tremolite},
     {actinolite}, {asbestus}, {edenite}, {hornblende} (the last
     name being also used as a general term for the whole
     species). Amphibole is a constituent of many crystalline
     rocks, as syenite, diorite, most varieties of trachyte, etc.
     See {Hornblende}.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.