释义 |
as·bes·tos I. noun also as·bes·tus \asˈbestəs also azˈ- or əsˈ- or əzˈ-\ (-es) Etymology: Middle English asbestus mineral supposed to be inextinguishable when set on fire, alteration (influenced by Latin & Greek asbestos) of albestron, probably from Middle French, alteration (probably influenced by Latin albus white) of abeston, from Medieval Latin asbeston, alter of Latin asbestos, from Greek, unslaked lime, from asbestos inextinguishable, unextinguished, from a- a- (II) + (assumed) sbestos, verbal of sbennynai to quench, extinguish; akin to Lithuanian gesti to be extinguished, Sanskrit jasate he is exhausted and perhaps to Old High German quist annihilation, Gothic qistjan to destroy, Tocharian B käs- to pass out of existence 1. : a mineral (as chrysotile, tremolite, or actinolite) that readily separates into long flexible fibers suitable for uses where incombustible, nonconducting, or chemically resistant material is required 2. a. : a mineral fiber usually long, smooth, and white b. or asbestos yarn : a yarn usually made of asbestos or of asbestos and other fibers 3. or asbestos curtain : a fireproof curtain made of asbestos or other material and used in a theater to close the proscenium opening in case of fire II. adjective : made of, containing, or resembling asbestos |