1 definition found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Gas \Gas\ (g[a^]s), n.; pl {Gases} (-[e^]z). [Invented by the
chemist Van Helmont of Brussels, who died in 1644.]
1. An a["e]riform fluid; -- a term used at first by chemists
as synonymous with air, but since restricted to fluids
supposed to be permanently elastic, as oxygen, hydrogen,
etc., in distinction from vapors, as steam, which become
liquid on a reduction of temperature. In present usage,
since all of the supposed permanent gases have been
liquified by cold and pressure, the term has resumed
nearly its original signification, and is applied to any
substance in the elastic or a["e]riform state.
2. (Popular Usage)
a A complex mixture of gases, of which the most
important constituents are marsh gas, olefiant gas,
and hydrogen, artificially produced by the destructive
distillation of gas coal, or sometimes of peat, wood,
oil, resin, etc It gives a brilliant light when
burned, and is the common gas used for illuminating
purposes.
b Laughing gas.
c Any irrespirable a["e]riform fluid.
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