gas
Definitions
A substance in the airy state of matter, with no fixed shape, that fills its container.
气体：处于气态、无固定形状、充满容器的物质。
Gasoline; liquid fuel for vehicles (American English).
（美式）汽油。
To attack or kill with poison gas.
用毒气攻击；毒气熏杀。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedCoined around 1650 by van Helmont from Greek chaos ('void, formless space'). A gas has no fixed shape and fills the empty space around it — the chaos idea made physical. In US usage it also clips gasoline.
Root gas still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
US vs UK is the main trap. In American English 'gas' = (1) a vapor or (2) gasoline/petrol for cars; 'gas station,' 'fill up with gas.' In British English 'gas' means only the vapor; the car fuel is 'petrol.' So 'I need gas' means 'I need petrol' to an American but sounds odd to a Brit.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Natural gas is piped into millions of homes for heating.
- 2.
We stopped to fill up the car with gas before the trip.
- 3.
Helium is a gas that is lighter than air.