davy lamp
/'deivi'læmp/
Definition
- Noun:
- A safety lamp for miners: A "Davy lamp" is a type of oil-burning safety lamp historically used in coal mines. Its key feature is a flame enclosed within a fine metal mesh screen. This design prevents the lamp's flame from igniting flammable gases (like methane, also called firedamp) present in the mine, thereby reducing the risk of explosions.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The miner descended into the shaft, his Davy lamp casting a dim, safe light.
- The invention of the Davy lamp was a major advancement in mining safety during the 19th century.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term is often used in historical or technical discussions about industrial safety and mining history. It is named after its inventor, Sir Humphry Davy.
- The museum exhibit featured an original Davy lamp alongside other mining artifacts.
Variants and Related Words
- Safety lamp (n): The general category of lamps designed for use in flammable atmospheres, which includes the Davy lamp.
- Several types of safety lamps succeeded the original Davy lamp design.
- Firedamp (n): The flammable gas (primarily methane) found in coal mines that the Davy lamp was designed to mitigate.
- The presence of firedamp made the Davy lamp an essential piece of equipment.
Synonyms
- Miners' safety lamp: A descriptive synonym.
- Flame safety lamp: A technical term highlighting its operating principle.
Related Idioms
Noun
-
an oil lamp that will not ignite flammable gases (methane)
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