'asbestos' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀσβέστος' (asbestos), where 'a-' meant 'not' and the root meant 'to extinguish' (so 'inextinguishable').

'asbestos' passed into Latin as 'asbestum' and then into Middle English (via Old French/medieval Latin forms such as 'asbestus'/'asbeston'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'asbestos'.

Initially, it meant 'inextinguishable' (referring to fire resistance); over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a group of fibrous silicate minerals and the materials made from them, used for insulation and fireproofing, now known for health hazards.'