Words that start with A

Asbestos refers to a group of silicate rocks that have the interesting property of forming long, thin fibers. Asbestos was cheap, strong, had great insulating qualities and was widely used as a building material, with its use peaking in the 1970s. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other issues if it is inhaled, and because of this its use is currently banned in many countries.

Ashes are the black and grey residue that is left after a fire. Ash is also thrown out in large quantities from volcanoes. Some ash, called charcoal, can be used to draw with.

Asia is the world's largest continent both by area and population. It holds around 60% of the world's population.

You are asleep if you are sleeping. The cat in the picture is asleep.

The asparagus spears that you buy in the shops are the new shoots of a type of plant. They are eaten as a vegetable, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are usually eaten alone as a side dish rather than mixed into something else like a stew.