firedamp

[ fahyuhr-damp ]

nounMining.
  1. a combustible gas consisting chiefly of methane, formed especially in coal mines, and dangerously explosive when mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air.

  2. the explosive mixture itself.

Origin of firedamp

1
First recorded in 1670–80; fire + damp

Words Nearby firedamp

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use firedamp in a sentence

  • An example of a hydrocarbon or compound of carbon and hydrogen, is marsh gas (methane) or firedamp, CH4.

  • As well might the vapours of the swamp be purified by filling it with the firedamp.

  • Mr. Crotchet, jun.—I hope, Mr. firedamp, you will let your friendship carry you a little closer into the jaws of the lion.

    Crotchet Castle | Thomas Love Peacock
  • Next to her is Mr. firedamp, a very absurd person, who thinks that water is the evil principle.

    Crotchet Castle | Thomas Love Peacock
  • Proceeding to the edge of the moat, they fished up Mr. firedamp, who had missed his way back, and tumbled in.

    Crotchet Castle | Thomas Love Peacock

British Dictionary definitions for firedamp

firedamp

/ (ˈfaɪəˌdæmp) /


noun
  1. a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with air: See also afterdamp

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012