coal gas

noun

1. a gas used for illuminating and heating, produced by distilling bituminous coal and consisting chiefly of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.
2. the gas formed by burning coal.

coal gas

noun

1. a mixture of gases produced by the distillation of bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting: consists mainly of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide

Word History and Origins

Origin of coal gas¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The most important of these is gas lime, or lime which has been used for purifying coal gas.

From Project Gutenberg

Once beyond the entrance into this dark path the lamps ceased to burn; the coal-gas had begun its sway.

From Project Gutenberg

Poisoning by coal gas is practically poisoning by carbon monoxide.

From Project Gutenberg

A balloon filled with hydrogen, or even with coal gas, rises into the air, as oil or a cork rises up through water.

From Project Gutenberg

To him the art is indebted for the introduction of carbureted-hydrogen, or coal gas, as the means of inflating balloons.

From Project Gutenberg