gaseous
UK: ˈɡæs.i.əs | US: ˈɡæs.i.əs
adj. relating to or having the characteristics of a gas
adj. lacking substance or clarity; vague
The word "gaseous" combines "gas," derived from the Greek "khaos" (meaning "empty space" or "formless matter"), with the suffix "-eous," borrowed from Latin "-eus" (indicating "made of" or "resembling"). The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe matter in its gas state, reflecting scientific advancements in chemistry. The suffix "-eous" was later abstracted to form adjectives from nouns, giving "gaseous" its modern meaning of "having the properties of a gas" or metaphorically, "insubstantial."
The balloon floated upward, filled with a gaseous mixture of helium.
Scientists study gaseous emissions to monitor air pollution.
His argument was too gaseous, lacking concrete evidence.
Water vapor is the gaseous phase of H₂O.
The planet’s atmosphere is primarily composed of gaseous nitrogen.