gas
UK: ɡæs | US: ɡæs
n. a substance in a physical state that expands freely to fill any container
n. informal short for "gasoline" (petrol)
vt. to poison or affect with gas
vt. informal to talk idly or boastfully
The word "gas" was coined in the early 17th century by the Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont, who derived it from the Greek word "khaos" (χάος), meaning "empty space" or "void." Van Helmont used it to describe the formless, expansive nature of substances like carbon dioxide, which he observed during experiments. Over time, "gas" evolved to encompass all substances in a state that fills their container, distinct from solids and liquids. The informal use for "gasoline" arose in American English in the 20th century.
Oxygen is a colorless and odorless gas essential for life.
The car’s tank was nearly empty, so we stopped to fill it with gas.
The soldiers were tragically gassed during the chemical attack.
He loves to gas about his achievements, but few believe him.
Natural gas is a common fuel for heating homes in winter.