synthesis gas


noun Chemistry.

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

Origin of synthesis gas

First recorded in 1940–45

Words nearby synthesis gas

British Dictionary definitions for synthesis gas

synthesis gas

noun chem

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