gas Definition

gas
noun gases

1. A form of matter that has no fixed shape, is easily compressed, and which will expand to occupy all the space available because its molecules are in constant rapid motion and can move about freely and independently of each other.

Thesaurus: vapour, air, fumes, ether.
2. A substance or mixture of substances which is in this state at ordinary temperatures, eg hydrogen, air.
3a. natural gas used as a source of fuel for heating, lighting or cooking;


Example: gas cooker
4. A gas, especially nitrous oxide, used as an anaesthetic.
5. firedampexplosive in contact with air.
6. A poisonous gas used as a weapon in war.
(N Amer)
(Austral)
(NZ)
7. colloq
Gasoline; petrol.
(especially N Amer)
8. colloq
An amusing or entertaining event, situation or person
Example: The film was a real gas!
9. derog, colloq
Foolish talk; boasting.
Thesaurus: bombast, exaggeration, claptrap, fustian, braggadocio.

verb gasses, gassed, gassing

1. To poison or kill (people or animals) with gas.
intr
2. derog, colloq
To chat, especially at length, boastfully or about trivial things.

Etymology: 17c: coined by J B van Helmont, Belgian chemist (1577‐1644), after Greek chaos atmosphere.