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asbestus |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Amphibole \Am"phi*bole\ ([a^]m"f[i^]*b[=o]l), n. [Gr. 'amfi`bolos doubtful, equivocal, fr 'amfiba`llein to throw round, to doubt: cf F. amphibole. Ha["u]y so named the genus from the great variety of color and composition assumed by the mineral.] (Min.) A common mineral embracing many varieties varying in color and in composition. It occurs in monoclinic crystals; also massive, generally with fibrous or columnar structure. The color varies from white to gray, green, brown, and black. It is a silicate of magnesium and calcium, with usually aluminium and iron. Some common varieties are {tremolite}, {actinolite}, {asbestus}, {edenite}, {hornblende} (the last name being also used as a general term for the whole species). Amphibole is a constituent of many crystalline rocks, as syenite, diorite, most varieties of trachyte, etc See {Hornblende}. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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.
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