English · Daily Life
gas
/ɡæs/
[/ɡæs/]
fuel or vapour
Beginnernoun
Definition
A substance like air, often used as fuel for heating and cooking; also American for petrol.
Example
She turned on the gas and lit the stove to start boiling water for the morning tea.
She turned on the gas and lit the stove to start boiling water for the morning tea.
Etymology
Coined by 17th-century chemist Van Helmont, inspired by the Greek 'chaos'.
How & Where It’s Used
Means a fuel or any vapour; in American English it also means petrol for cars.
Literary Heritage
In American English 'gas' usually means petrol for vehicles.