water gas

noun

1. a toxic gaseous mixture consisting chiefly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, prepared from steam and incandescent coke: used as an illuminant, fuel, and in organic synthesis.

water gas

noun

1. See producer gas
   a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced by passing steam over hot carbon, used as a fuel and raw material See also producer gas

Other Words From

• water-gas adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of water gas¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Water gas is made by placing coke in a vertical cylinder and heating the coke to a red heat.

From Project Gutenberg

It was subsequently found that the stove was unlighted, and the water gas supply turned on.

From Project Gutenberg

The mixture of these two gases with the hydrocarburets furnished by the fuel constitutes water gas.

From Project Gutenberg

If, therefore, water-gas became generally used, another use for coke would be added to those already referred to (p. 47).

From Project Gutenberg

Another method gives water gas, by passing steam through heated coal.

From Project Gutenberg