afterdamp

[ af-ter-damp, ahf- ]
/ ˈæf tərˌdæmp, ˈɑf- /

noun

an irrespirable mixture of gases, consisting chiefly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, left in a mine after an explosion or fire.

Origin of afterdamp

First recorded in 1855–60; after + damp

British Dictionary definitions for afterdamp

afterdamp
/ (ˈɑːftəˌdæmp) /

noun

a poisonous mixture of gases containing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen formed after the explosion of firedamp in coal mines See also whitedamp