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.

Source : WordNet®

asbestos
     n : a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles;
         inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

asbestos
     
         Used as a modifier to anything intended to protect
        one from {flames}; also in other highly {flame}-suggestive
        usages.  E.g., {asbestos longjohns}, {asbestos cork award}.
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (1996-02-06)