gasholder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “gasholder” mean?
A large storage container for fuel gas, typically used in a public gas supply system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large storage container for fuel gas, typically used in a public gas supply system.
Historically, a cylindrical or dome-shaped structure (often with a telescopic or floating roof) used to store coal gas or natural gas at low pressure, now also referring to modern high-pressure gas storage facilities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'gasometer' is a common synonym, though 'gasholder' is understood in technical contexts. In British English, 'gasholder' is the dominant term.
Connotations
In the UK, 'gasholder' often evokes specific industrial heritage, with many decommissioned structures preserved as landmarks. In the US, the term is more purely technical.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, correlating with a longer history of town gas systems and preservation debates. Rare in modern American everyday vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “gasholder” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] gasholder [VERB]...[NOUN] of the gasholdergasholder at/in [PLACE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gasholder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The gasholder framework was rusted.
- A gasholder conversion project.
American English
- The gasholder structure was dismantled.
- Gasholder safety regulations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in project reports for demolition, site redevelopment, or heritage conservation funding applications.
Academic
Appears in historical, industrial archaeology, and engineering texts discussing urban infrastructure.
Everyday
Rare, except when referring to a local landmark or discussing the redevelopment of old industrial sites.
Technical
Standard term in civil engineering, industrial history, and energy sector documents for low-pressure gas storage vessels.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasholder”
- Using 'gasholder' to refer to a domestic propane tank. Confusing it with 'gasometer', which can also be a measuring device.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'gasholder' typically refers to large, low-pressure storage structures for town gas, often with moving parts. 'Gas tank' is more general and can refer to high-pressure vessels, vehicle fuel tanks, or smaller domestic containers.
The cylindrical shape with a floating roof or telescopic sections was an efficient engineering solution to store large volumes of gas at constant, low pressure, allowing the structure to expand and contract with the gas volume.
Traditional, low-pressure gasholders are largely obsolete in modern natural gas networks, which use high-pressure pipelines and underground storage. However, some remain in specific industrial processes or as heritage structures.
In technical usage, they are often synonyms for the storage structure. However, 'gasometer' can also refer to a scientific instrument for measuring gas volumes, which can cause ambiguity. 'Gasholder' is more precise for the storage tank.
A large storage container for fuel gas, typically used in a public gas supply system.
Gasholder is usually technical, historical in register.
Gasholder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæsˌhəʊldə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæsˌhoʊldər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'holder' for 'gas', like a cup holder but for flammable gas. It holds gas for a town.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GASHOLDER IS A LUNGBellows-like structures that expand and contract with gas.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a gasholder?