gas
gas Lexical Profile
gas Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An air-like fluid substance which expands freely to fill any space available, irrespective of its quantity.
"Oxygen and nitrogen are the primary gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere."
North American A refined, flammable petroleum liquid used as fuel for internal combustion engines; gasoline.
"I need to stop at the station and pump some gas before we get on the highway."
A naturally occurring combustible mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel for heating, cooking, or electricity generation.
"Our new house relies on gas for the kitchen stove and the central heating system."
• verb
North American To supply a vehicle with gasoline (often followed by 'up').
"We should gas up the rental car before driving out to the desert."
To kill or severely harm (a person or animal) by exposure to poisonous gas.
"During World War I, trenches were often gassed, leading to widespread use of specialized masks."
To talk idly, boastfully, or lengthily about unimportant matters.
"The old friends sat on the porch, gassing about their high school days until midnight."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'gas' is commonly used as a colloquial shortening of 'gasoline' (liquid vehicle fuel), whereas in British English, 'petrol' is used for the liquid fuel, and 'gas' refers strictly to gaseous substances like natural gas.
• Rhymes for gas
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 17th century by the Flemish chemist J.B. van Helmont. He based it on the Greek word 'chaos', referencing the formless, uncontainable nature of the substance.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.