How Do You Spell AFTER DAMP?

Pronunciation: [ˈaftə dˈamp] (IPA)

After damp is a term used to describe a poisonous gas, also known as "choke damp," that can develop after an explosion in a coal mine. The phonetic transcription of "after damp" is /ˈæf.tər dæmp/. The "aft" sound is pronounced with a short "a" followed by a "f" sound, and the "er" sound is pronounced as a schwa, which is an unstressed vowel sound. The "damp" sound is pronounced with a short "a" followed by a "m" sound and a final "p" sound.

AFTER DAMP Meaning and Definition

1. After damp is a term primarily used in mining, referring to a lethal gas mixture that is often encountered in underground mining operations. It is a combination of various gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and small amounts of methane and carbon monoxide. The term "after" in the name implies that the gas occurs after an explosion or fire has taken place in the mine.

   This hazardous gas is often colorless, odorless, and undetectable by human senses, making it highly dangerous for miners. After damp is formed when the explosion or fire consumes oxygen, leaving behind a deadly gas mixture in the mine. It is particularly hazardous because it can remain in the mine for a considerable period after the incident, posing a significant threat to both rescuers and miners who may enter the area later.

   Exposure to after damp can lead to asphyxiation, causing respiratory failure and suffocation. The carbon monoxide present in the gas can also combine with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen throughout the body and potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

   To mitigate the risks associated with after damp, proper ventilation systems and gas detection equipment are crucial in mining operations. Regular monitoring and testing of gases in the mine are essential to ensure the safety of workers. Education and training on recognizing, responding to, and preventing exposure to after damp are also essential in preventing accidents and fatalities in underground mining environments.

2. • Carbon dioxide formed by the explosion of a mixture of fire-damp, or methane, and air in a mine.

   • Air containing a large percentage of carbonic oxide.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. The choke damp or carbonic acid occurring in coal-mines after an explosion of fire-damp.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for AFTER DAMP

• zfter damp
• sfter damp
• wfter damp
• qfter damp
• adter damp
• acter damp
• avter damp
• agter damp
• atter damp
• arter damp
• afrer damp
• affer damp
• afger damp
• afyer damp
• af6er damp
• af5er damp
• aftwr damp
• aftsr damp
• aftdr damp

Etymology of AFTER DAMP

The word "after damp" is derived from the combination of two words, "after" and "damp".

The term "damp" in this context refers to the presence of harmful gases or vapors that occur in coal mines after an explosion or fire. Damp, in this sense, is an old English mining term used to describe these noxious or poisonous gases that are a byproduct of underground combustion.

The term "after" simply refers to the occurrence of these gases after a mining incident, such as a fire or explosion. Therefore, "after damp" essentially means the presence of poisonous gases that follow a mining disaster.

This term originated and gained popularity during the 19th century when coal mining was a prevalent industry and accidents were unfortunately common. The term continues to be used in the mining sector to describe the dangerous gases present after an incident that poses a significant risk to the health and lives of miners.