asbestoid
|as-bes-toid|
/æsˈbɛstɔɪd/
resembling asbestos
Etymology
'asbestoid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asbestos' and the Greek-derived suffix '-oid' (from 'eidos'), where 'asbestos' meant 'inextinguishable' and '-oid' meant 'resembling'.
'asbestoid' formed in English by combining the existing English noun 'asbestos' (from Greek 'asbestos' via Late Latin and Middle English) with the Greek-derived suffix '-oid' to create a term meaning 'resembling asbestos.'
Initially formed to mean 'resembling asbestos' (literally 'asbestos-like'); over time it has remained a specialized term used mainly in scientific and industrial contexts to describe asbestos-like minerals or materials.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or mineral that resembles asbestos, especially in being fibrous or having asbestos-like properties.
Laboratory analysis showed that the sample was an asbestoid rather than true asbestos.
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Adjective 1
resembling or having the characteristics of asbestos; asbestos-like.
The old insulation had an asbestoid texture and needed careful handling.
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Last updated: 2025/10/25 14:54