Firedamp — is a flammable gas found in coal mines. It is the name given to a number of flammable gases, especially methane. It is particularly commonly found in areas where the coal is bituminous. The gas accumulates in pockets in the coal and adjacent… … Wikipedia
firedamp — n. a mixture of gases (mostly methane) that forms in coal mines and becomes explosive when mixed with air. It is a source of serious hazard in coal mining operations. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
firedamp — [fīr′damp΄] n. a gas, largely methane, formed in coal mines, which is explosive when mixed with air … English World dictionary
firedamp — noun Date: 1677 a combustible mine gas that consists chiefly of methane; also the explosive mixture of this gas with air … New Collegiate Dictionary
firedamp — /fuyeur damp /, n. Mining. 1. a combustible gas consisting chiefly of methane, formed esp. in coal mines, and dangerously explosive when mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air. 2. the explosive mixture itself. [1670 80; FIRE + DAMP] *… … Universalium
firedamp — noun An inflammable gas (mostly methane) found in coal mines; forms an explosive mixture with air. See Also: afterdamp … Wiktionary
firedamp — Synonyms and related words: afterdamp, blackdamp, breath, chokedamp, cloud, coal gas, damp, effluvium, exhalation, exhaust, exhaust gas, fetid air, flatus, fluid, fume, malaria, mephitis, miasma, puff of smoke, reek, smoke, smudge, steam, vapor,… … Moby Thesaurus
firedamp — n. explosive gas comprised primarily of methane (accumulates in mines) … English contemporary dictionary
firedamp — noun gas, chiefly methane, that forms an explosive mixture with air in coal mines … English new terms dictionary
firedamp — n. (in mining) an explosive mixture of gases, usually containing a high proportion of methane, occasionally encountered in pockets underground. It can be distinguished from blackdamp (chokedamp), which does not ignite … The new mediacal dictionary