white damp

noun

1. a poisonous coal-mine gas composed chiefly of carbon monoxide.

Word History and Origins

Origin of white damp¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

There is also "white-damp," the gas which you see burning with a pretty blue flame over a hot coal fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Carbon monoxide was pouring out, the deadly white damp, that kills as it strikes!

From Project Gutenberg

From time to time he was seized by convulsive fits; resembling those of epilepsy, and characteristic of white damp poisoning.

From Project Gutenberg

You know, it is a product of combustion, and is very deadly—it is the much-dreaded white damp or afterdamp of a mine explosion.

From Project Gutenberg

Pretty nearly all the cases of poisoning in mines are due to 'white damp.'

From Project Gutenberg