firedamp
Americannoun
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a combustible gas consisting chiefly of methane, formed especially in coal mines, and dangerously explosive when mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air.
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the explosive mixture itself.
noun
Etymology
Origin of firedamp
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
OKD will now switch to processing purchased coal and producing heat using firedamp -- methane gas produced by coal-mining.
From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026
The blast was believed to have been caused by firedamp, a term referring to methane in coal mines.
From Reuters ● Nov. 1, 2022
Authorities said Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with preliminary findings suggesting it was caused by firedamp, a term referring to methane forming an explosive mixture in coal mines.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2022
Energy Minister Fatih Durmaz said preliminary assessments indicated the tragedy was caused by a firedamp explosion — when methane mixes with air and fire — creating a dangerous underground situation.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 16, 2022
“When a lamp burns with a blue haze you know there’s firedamp in the air.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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