firedamp

[fahyuh r-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.
Origin
1670-80; fire + damp
Examples from the web for firedamp
  • It was strongly and widely believed that when a mine explosion occurred, a flammable atmosphere of firedamp must be present.
  • Shortly after the day shift began work a violent explosion of firedamp took place.
British Dictionary definitions for firedamp

firedamp

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