firedamp

American  

[fahyuhr-damp] / ˈfaɪərˌdæmp /

noun

Mining.

1. a combustible gas consisting chiefly of methane, formed especially in coal mines, and dangerously explosive when mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air.

2. the explosive mixture itself.

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firedamp British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌdæmp /

noun

1. a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with air See also afterdamp

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Etymology

Origin of firedamp

First recorded in 1670–80; fire + damp

Example Sentences

OKD will now switch to processing purchased coal and producing heat using firedamp -- methane gas produced by coal-mining.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

The blast was believed to have been caused by firedamp, a term referring to methane in coal mines.

From Reuters • Nov. 1, 2022

Energy Minister Fatih Durmaz said preliminary assessments indicated the tragedy was caused by a firedamp explosion — when methane mixes with air and fire — creating a dangerous underground situation.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 16, 2022

Again, the ensuing inquest blamed it on firedamp spreading throughout the workings.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2017

“Good lord, firedamp in a coal mine,” my father said.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss