afterdamp

[ af-ter-damp, ahf- ]

noun

1. an irrespirable mixture of gases, consisting chiefly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, left in a mine after an explosion or fire.

afterdamp

/ ˈɑːftəˌdæmp /

noun

1. See whitedamp
   a poisonous mixture of gases containing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen formed after the explosion of firedamp in coal mines See also whitedamp

Word History and Origins

Origin of afterdamp¹

First recorded in 1855–60; after + damp

Example Sentences

You know, it is a product of combustion, and is very deadly—it is the much-dreaded white damp or afterdamp of a mine explosion.

From Project Gutenberg