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 • Nov. 24, 2010

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

From Sir George Tressady — Volume II by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

They also had been killed in escaping, dragged down by the inexorable afterdamp.

From Sir George Tressady — Volume II by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

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 The Silent Bullet by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

When I came to I was lying with my face in a dampish sort of hollow, and I suppose the afterdamp had lifted a bit, for I could raise my head.

From Sir George Tressady — Volume II by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.