coal-gas

coal-gas

A worker lights a coal-gas streetlamp at dusk.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A fuel gas produced from coal: "coal-gas" refers to a flammable gas derived from the destructive distillation of coal, historically used for lighting, heating, and cooking. It is a mixture of hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and other hydrocarbons.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In the 19th century, many cities were lit by coal-gas. (A fuel gas made from coal used for illumination.)
    • The factory produced coal-gas for industrial heating. (The gas was manufactured for energy purposes.)
    • Leaking coal-gas can be dangerous due to its carbon monoxide content. (The gas is toxic if not handled properly.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to burn coal-gas": to use the gas as a source of heat or light.

    • The old street lamps burned coal-gas until electricity became common. (The lamps consumed the gas for illumination.)

  • "coal-gas poisoning": a condition resulting from inhaling the toxic components of coal-gas, especially carbon monoxide.

    • Coal-gas poisoning was a common hazard in poorly ventilated homes. (Inhalation of the gas caused illness or death.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Coal gasification (n): the process of converting coal into a combustible gas.

    • Modern coal gasification plants are more efficient than older methods. (The technology transforms coal into gas.)

  • Coal-gas tar (n): a byproduct of coal-gas production, used in making chemicals and road materials.

    • Coal-gas tar was once used to seal wooden ships. (The tar was a residue from gas manufacture.)
Synonyms
  • Town gas: a historical term for coal-gas distributed to urban areas.
  • Syngas: a modern term for synthetic gas, often derived from coal or biomass, though composition may differ.
Related Idioms
  • "to light with coal-gas": an idiomatic expression referring to outdated or historical methods of illumination.
    • The museum’s exhibit showed how homes were lit with coal-gas. (The display highlighted old lighting technology.)
Notes
  • Historical context: Coal-gas was a primary energy source before the widespread availability of natural gas and electricity, peaking in use during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Safety: Due to its carbon monoxide content, coal-gas is highly toxic and was often odorized for leak detection.

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