# asbestos

/æsˈbɛstəs/ (US) · /æsbˈɛstəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asbestos
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the mineral material

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the material in general.

### 2. resistance to heat

noun · CEFR C2 · Humorous · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This is a creative, non-literal use of the word; learners should use it only in very casual or joking contexts.

### 3. to cover with the material

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

to cover or protect something using asbestos.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: This verb use is largely historical due to modern safety bans.

## Examples

- Old houses often contain asbestos in the walls.
- The contractor tested the roof tiles for asbestos before starting the renovation work.
- Although once prized for its durability and heat resistance, asbestos is now strictly regulated due to the long-term health risks associated with microscopic fibre inhalation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.