marsh gas

noun

1. a gaseous decomposition product of organic matter, consisting primarily of methane.

marsh gas

noun

1. a hydrocarbon gas largely composed of methane formed when organic material decays in the absence of air

Word History and Origins

Origin of marsh gas¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Many varieties of coal give off a gas known as marsh-gas or fire-damp.

From Project Gutenberg

Franklin's study of marsh gas and effect of oil on water, 390.

From Project Gutenberg

A similar relation holds good between marsh gas and olefiant gas (ethylene).

From Project Gutenberg

But here is another gas, about which I may have to say something directly, called marsh gas (the gas of coal-mines).

From Project Gutenberg

Here goes: marsh gas, or methane as it is sometimes called, is the first of the group of hydrocarbons known as paraffins.

From Project Gutenberg