firedamp

[ fahyuh r-damp ]
/ ˈfaɪərˌdæmp /

noun Mining.

a combustible gas consisting chiefly of methane, formed especially in coal mines, and dangerously explosive when mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air.
the explosive mixture itself.

Origin of firedamp

First recorded in 1670–80; fire + damp

Words nearby firedamp

firebug, firebush, firecracker, firecracker flower, firecrest, firedamp, firedog, firedrake, firefight, firefighter, firefighting

Example sentences from the Web for firedamp

British Dictionary definitions for firedamp

firedamp
/ (ˈfaɪəˌdæmp) /

noun

a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with air See also afterdamp