outgas
UK: aʊtˈɡæs | US: aʊtˈɡæs
vt. to release gas (e.g., from a material, often under heat or vacuum conditions)
vi. (of a material) to emit gas gradually
The word "outgas" is a compound formed by combining "out" (indicating external movement or release) and "gas" (referring to a gaseous state). It emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in scientific contexts, to describe the process of gases escaping from solids or liquids, especially in vacuum systems or heated materials. The term reflects a straightforward logical construction: "out" + "gas" = "to release gas."
The spacecraft's materials must be tested to ensure they do not outgas in the vacuum of space.
When heated, some plastics outgas harmful chemicals.
Engineers use special coatings to minimize outgassing in electronic components.
The lab detected outgassing from the sealed container after prolonged storage.
Outgassing can contaminate sensitive optical instruments over time.