soft coal

American  

noun

1. bituminous coal.

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soft coal British  

noun

1. another name for bituminous coal

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Etymology

Origin of soft coal

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The Kemper County power plant was supposed to be a world leader in turning soft coal into a gas and burning it to generate power, while removing climate-warming carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

From Seattle Times

The plants burn soft coal, or lignite, the dirtiest form of the fuel.

From New York Times

The Department of Energy gave $387 million to build a first-of-its kind plant turning soft coal into a gas and burning it to generate power, while removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

From Washington Times

“That’s the Number Four Pocahontas Seam, the finest and purest soft coal in the world. These lines I’ve drawn represent the tunnels we’ve driven through it since the mine has been operational.”

From Literature

While generous tariffs to accelerate investment in solar and wind power helped spur renewable energy development, no similar incentives were offered to address the dependence on soft coal, Germany’s only abundant native fossil fuel.

From New York Times