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Friable Easily Asbestos Adjective English Latin Verb Health

Word friable
Date July 28, 2010
Type adjective
Syllables FRYE-uh-bul
Etymology "Friable" entered into English in the mid-1500s, and was borrowed either from Middle French or directly from Latin "friabilis." This Latin adjective comes from the verb "friare," which means "to crumble." "Fiare" in turn is related to the verb "fricare" ("to rub"), the source of the English noun "friction." "Friable" is used to describe something that can be easily reduced to a powdered form. In contemporary usage, it is often found in the discussion of asbestos. Health concerns about asbestos primarily center around friable asbestos -- that is, asbestos that is easily pulverized into tiny fibers which may remain suspended in the air and become a potential health risk to those who inhale them.
Examples These plants will grow best in a soft, friable soil.
Definition : easily crumbled or pulverized

Tags: wordoftheday::adjective

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