blister gas

noun

, Chemical Warfare.

1. a poison gas that burns or blisters the tissues of the body; vesicant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blister gas¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The Government, seriously thinking that the enemy might use gas in his assault on the British Isles, initiated a series of test gas attacks, warned citizens to keep their masks about them, reminded them that the yellow signboards all over the countryside would turn red if blister gas touched them, issued instructions for making rooms relatively gasproof with sticky tape and rubber stripping.

From Time Magazine Archive

Whereas in World War I sternutators caused one casualty for every 650 pounds of gas used, and lung injurants one per 230 pounds, blister gas was much more efficient: one per 60 pounds.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lewisite, another blister gas, was developed toward the close of World War I in the U.S., is now a favorite of the Japs.

From Time Magazine Archive