gas

gas · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A substance in a state that has no fixed shape and fills any space available.

  2. 2.

    (American English) Gasoline; fuel for motor vehicles.

  3. 3.

    Natural gas used for cooking or heating.

  4. 4.

    Intestinal gas; flatulence.

  5. 5.

    (informal) Something enjoyable or amusing.

  6. 6.

    To supply with gas or fill with gas.

  7. 7.

    To attack with poisonous gas.

  8. 8.

    (informal) To talk idly.

Forms

plural: gases

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    step on the gas — Accelerate; hurry up.
  • •
    run out of gas — Lose energy or momentum.
  • •
    gas station — A place selling fuel for vehicles.
  • •
    gas chamber — A room used for execution by poison gas.
  • •
    natural gas — Fossil fuel used for heating.
  • •
    pass gas — To release intestinal gas.

Related words

Antonyms: liquid, solid
See also: air, fuel, petrol, vapor
Synonyms: fuel, fumes, petrol, vapor

Etymology

Coined by Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont (1580-1644), probably from Greek khaos ("chaos"), representing an occult principle in matter.