firedamp
nounUK /ˈfaɪədæmp/
US /ˈfaɪərdæmp/
Firedamp is a gas found in coal mines that can catch fire and explode.
The miners checked for firedamp before starting work underground.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A mixture of gases, mainly methane, that builds up in coal mines and is dangerous because it can explode.
The old safety lamp was designed to warn miners about firedamp.
3. Any flammable gas found naturally underground in mines.
Engineers installed fans to clear the firedamp from the tunnels.
4. The explosive hazard caused by methane in a mine.
A spark could set off the firedamp and cause a disaster.