\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.
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.