Word: Gas

Pronunciation

/ɡæs/

Definitions

• Noun: A substance that has no fixed shape and usually no fixed volume, diffusing freely to fill any space available. It typically consists of molecules far apart from each other, which can be compressed into a liquid or solid under sufficient pressure. Examples include air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
  Example Sentence: “The scientist filled the balloon with helium gas.”

• Verb: (informal) To speak or act foolishly; to tease or joke around.
  Example Sentence: “Don’t gas about it; tell me what really happened.”

• Noun (colloquial): An informal term for gasoline or petrol, a volatile flammable liquid derived from petroleum, used primarily as fuel for internal combustion engines. Example Sentence: “I need to stop at the gas station to fill up my car.”

Phrases

• “Turn on the gas” means to ignite or start the flow of gas, often referring to heating or cooking appliances.
• “Run out of gas” metaphorically means to lose energy, motivation, or resources, or literally to exhaust the supply of fuel in a vehicle.
• “Laughing gas” is a colloquial term for nitrous oxide, which is used as an anaesthetic or recreational drug due to its ability to induce laughter.

Example Sentences

• Noun (substance): “The miners had to be careful not to inhale too much methane gas trapped in the mine.”
• Verb (informal): “They were just gassing to lighten the mood during the tense meeting.”
• Noun (petrol): “We’re almost out of gas; we should find a station soon.”

Synonyms

• (noun, for the substance): Fumes, vapor, emissions
• (noun, for gasoline): Petrol, fuel
• (verb, informal): Joke, tease, kid