noun
- A mixture of gases (chiefly nitrogen and carbon dioxide) found in coal mines, formed by the oxidation of coal and capable of causing asphyxiation; also called choke damp.
Usage: mining; technical; plural form; singular is blackdamp
Examples
- Miners had to be constantly vigilant for blackdamps in the deeper shafts.
- The presence of blackdamps made ventilation systems essential in coal mining operations.
- Early mining disasters were often caused by exposure to blackdamps.
- Canaries were used to detect blackdamps before they could harm workers.