Skip to content
Book Glossary

gas

Dictionary definition · gas

noun

  1. the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  2. a fluid in the gaseous state having neither independent shape nor volume and being able to expand indefinitely
  3. a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
  4. a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal
  5. a pedal that controls the throttle valve"he stepped on the gas"
  6. a fossil fuel in the gaseous state; used for cooking and heating homes

verb

  1. attack with gas; subject to gas fumes"The despot gassed the rebellious tribes"
  2. show off

Similar words

gaseous stateblowblusterboastbraggasconadeshoot a lineswashtoutgasolene

Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).