Definition of "blackdamp" [blackdamp]

• A noncombustible gas that consists of a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, found in mines after fires or explosions and incapable of supporting life. Also called chokedamp. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Of course Dr. Plimer's book has been pretty thoroughly reviewed by now and it has not stood up well (in fact I would venture that it is currently comatose on the floor from a case of blackdamp!)."