Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Amianthus
Amˊi-an′thus
,Noun.
[L.
amiantus
, Gr. [GREEK] [GREEK] (lit., unsoiled stone) a greenish stone, like asbestus; ἀ
priv. + [GREEK] to stain, to defile; so called from its incombustibility.] (Min.)
Earth flax, or mountain flax; a soft silky variety of asbestus.
Webster 1828 Edition
Amianthus
AMIANTH'US
,Noun.
Earth-flax, or mountain flax; a mineral substance somewhat resembling flax; usually grayish, or of a greenish white; sometimes of a yellowish or silvery white, olive or mountain green, of a pale flesh red or ocher color. It is composed of delicate filaments, very flexible and somewhat elastic, often long and resembling threads of silk. It is incombustible, and has sometimes been wrought into cloth and paper.