gasometer
(gæˈsɒmɪtə(r))
Also gazometer.
[ad. F. gazomètre, f. gaz gas n.1 + mètre, ad. Gr. µέτρον measure.]
1. Chem. (See quot. 1831.) In later use (on analogy of sense 2) a vessel for holding gas.
| 1790 Kerr tr. Lavoisier's Elem. Chem. 308, I give the name of gazometer to an instrument which I invented..for the purpose of a kind of bellows, which might furnish an uniform and continued stream of oxygen gas in experiments of fusion. 1793 Beddoes Let. to Darwin 41 A construction not very dissimilar to that employed in the gazometers of Mr. Lavoisier and Dr. Van Marum. 1831 T. P. Jones Convers. Chem. Gloss., Gasometer, an air holder, so constructed that the quantity of gas which it contains can be ascertained or measured. 1874 tr. Lommel's Light 6 Through the middle of this runs a..narrow tube, which..conducts oxygen from an adjoining gasometer. |
2. A large tank or reservoir in which illuminating gas is stored, to be distributed thence by means of pipes.
| 1808 Murdoch in Phil. Trans. XCVIII. 125 The gas..is conveyed by iron pipes into large reservoirs, or gazometers, where it is washed and purified. 1819 Accum Descr. Manuf. Coal Gas 164 The name of gas holder, or as it is improperly called, gasometer is given to the vessel employed for collecting the gas and storing it up for use. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educ. ii. 99/2 Lastly, the gasometer with its tank into which the gas is finally received in a purified state. |