firedamp

[ fahyuh r-damp ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌdæmp /

noun Mining.

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

the explosive mixture itself.

Nearby words

firebug, firebush, firecracker, firecracker flower, firecrest, firedamp, firedog, firedrake, firefight, firefighter, firefighting

Origin of firedamp

First recorded in 1670–80; fire + damp

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for firedamp

An example of a hydrocarbon or compound of carbon and hydrogen, is marsh gas (methane) or firedamp, CH4.
The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing|Watson Smith
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
As well might the vapours of the swamp be purified by filling it with the firedamp.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine--Volume 62, No. 386, December, 1847|Various
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

When exploded by electricity, as in the previous case, no flame was produced, nor was the firedamp ignited.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 620, November 19,1887|Various

British Dictionary definitions for firedamp

firedamp

/ (ˈfaɪəˌdæmp) /

noun

a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with airSee 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