afterdamp

American  

[af-ter-damp, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌdæmp, ˈɑf- /

noun

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

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afterdamp British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌdæmp /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of afterdamp

First recorded in 1855–60; after + damp

Example Sentences

Carbon monoxide, the gas released after a methane explosion – known to miners as afterdamp – is just as lethal in a different way.

From The Guardian

A heavy fall of roof had to be scrambled over, and beyond it afterdamp was clearly perceptible.

From Project Gutenberg

We had not gone fifty yards before we came on the afterdamp, filling the headway like smoke.

From Project Gutenberg

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

But no other part of him was burnt, and it was clear that he had died of afterdamp in trying to escape.

From Project Gutenberg