firedamp

== English == === Alternative forms === fire damp, fire-damp === Etymology === From fire +‎ damp with 'damp' not in the usual sense of 'moist' but old German, modern Dutch, Danish 'damp' as steam or vapour, hence a gas liable to catch fire. === Noun === firedamp (usually uncountable, plural firedamps) (mining) A flammable gas (mostly methane) found in coal mines; forms an explosive mixture with air. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== afterdamp ==== Translations ====