Gases definition

Gases





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1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Gas \Gas\ (g[a^]s), n.; pl. {Gases} (g[a^]s"[e^]z). [Invented by
     the chemist Van Helmont of Brussels, who died in 1644.]
     1. An a["e]riform fluid; -- a term used at first by chemists
        as synonymous with air, but since restricted to fluids
        supposed to be permanently elastic, as oxygen, hydrogen,
        etc., in distinction from vapors, as steam, which become


        liquid on a reduction of temperature. In present usage,
        since all of the supposed permanent gases have been
        liquified by cold and pressure, the term has resumed
        nearly its original signification, and is applied to any
        substance in the elastic or a["e]riform state.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Popular Usage)
        (a) A complex mixture of gases, of which the most
            important constituents are marsh gas, olefiant gas,
            and hydrogen, artificially produced by the destructive
            distillation of gas coal, or sometimes of peat, wood,
            oil, resin, etc. It gives a brilliant light when
            burned, and is the common gas used for illuminating
            purposes.
        (b) Laughing gas.
        (c) Any irrespirable a["e]riform fluid.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. same as {gasoline}; -- a shortened form. Also, the
        accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle; used in the term "
        step on the gas".
        [PJC]
  
     4. the accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle; used in the term
        " step on the gas".
        [PJC]
  
     5. Same as {natural gas}.
        [PJC]
  
     6. an exceptionally enjoyable event; a good time; as, The
        concert was a gas. [slang]
        [PJC]
  
     Note: Gas is often used adjectively or in combination; as,
           gas fitter or gasfitter; gas meter or gas-meter, etc.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     {Air gas} (Chem.), a kind of gas made by forcing air through
        some volatile hydrocarbon, as the lighter petroleums. The
        air is so saturated with combustible vapor as to be a
        convenient illuminating and heating agent.
  
     {Gas battery} (Elec.), a form of voltaic battery, in which
        gases, especially hydrogen and oxygen, are the active
        agents.
  
     {Gas carbon}, {Gas coke}, etc. See under {Carbon}, {Coke},
        etc.
  
     {Gas coal}, a bituminous or hydrogenous coal yielding a high
        percentage of volatile matters, and therefore available
        for the manufacture of illuminating gas. --R. W. Raymond.
  
     {Gas engine}, an engine in which the motion of the piston is
        produced by the combustion or sudden production or
        expansion of gas; -- especially, an engine in which an
        explosive mixture of gas and air is forced into the
        working cylinder and ignited there by a gas flame or an
        electric spark.
        [1913 Webster]

















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