Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   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.