noun
- A fine, silky variety of asbestos, formerly used in textiles and insulation.
Usage: archaic; technical; also called asbestos or mountain flax
Examples
- Amianthus was once prized for its heat-resistant properties in industrial applications.
- The ancient Romans used amianthus fibers to make fireproof cloth.
- Modern safety standards have restricted the use of amianthus due to health risks.
- Amianthus deposits were mined extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries.