asbestos

n. a grey or white mineral that does not burn and was used to protect buildings from fire.

n. any of several fibrous mineral forms of magnesium silicate used for fireproofing and insulation.

“The workers had to wear special masks because the old ceiling contained asbestos.”

“Before its health risks were fully understood, asbestos was widely utilised in the construction industry for its exceptional thermal insulation and fire-retardant properties.”

Technical

n. a humorous way to describe a person who can touch hot things or eat very spicy food without pain.

n. a colloquial reference to a metaphorical physical immunity to heat or spicy sensations.

“He must have an asbestos mouth to eat those spicy peppers so easily.”

“The chef seemed to have asbestos fingers, casually retrieving the searingly hot ramekins from the oven without using a cloth.”

Humorous · Informal

v. to cover or protect something using asbestos.

v. to coat, line, or insulate a surface or structure with asbestos.

“In the past, engineers would asbestos the pipes to keep the heat inside.”

“The original specifications required the contractor to asbestos the boiler room walls to meet the fire safety standards of the era.”

Archaic · Technical