synthesis gas

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of several gaseous mixtures consisting essentially of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, used in the synthesis of chemical compounds, as ammonia and alcohols.

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synthesis gas British  

noun

1. a mixture of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen formerly made by using water gas and reacting it with steam to enrich the proportion of hydrogen for use in the synthesis of ammonia

2. a similar mixture of gases made by steam reforming natural gas, used for synthesizing organic chemicals and as a fuel

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Etymology

Origin of synthesis gas

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

This approach literally burns the coal deep in the ground to produce synthesis gas that can be used for electricity production.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2013