gasometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Historical, British English
Quick answer
What does “gasometer” mean?
A large, often cylindrical container used for storing gas under pressure or at atmospheric pressure, recognizable by its tall, often telescoping structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, often cylindrical container used for storing gas under pressure or at atmospheric pressure, recognizable by its tall, often telescoping structure.
The term is also used in chemical labs for a measuring device (eudiometer) that collects and measures gases. Historically and architecturally, the large industrial gas holders are prominent features in many urban landscapes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'gasometer' is the standard term for the large gas storage holder. In American English, the term 'gas holder' is far more common, and 'gasometer' is rarely used, often seeming archaic or technical.
Connotations
In the UK, it has strong industrial and architectural connotations. In the US, the word is largely unfamiliar to the general public.
Frequency
High frequency in UK historical/architectural contexts; very low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “gasometer” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] gasometer [VERB]...[LOCATION]'s gasometerto convert/repurpose the gasometerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gasometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gasometer structure dominated the skyline.
- A gasometer conversion project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in property development: 'The developers plan to convert the old gasometer into flats.'
Academic
Used in history of technology, industrial archaeology, or urban studies papers.
Everyday
Uncommon in everyday conversation in the US. In the UK, might be used when discussing landmarks or redevelopment: 'They're building apartments in that old gasometer.'
Technical
Precise term for a specific type of gas storage vessel or, in chemistry, a gas-measuring device.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasometer”
- Confusing it with a simple gas tank or cylinder.
- Using it as a general term for any gas meter (which is a 'gas meter' for domestic use).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A domestic gas meter measures the volume of gas used in a home. A gasometer is a large-scale storage container for gas.
They are largely obsolete due to modern pipeline networks, but some may still be in use or standby in older infrastructure. Many are decommissioned landmarks.
They refer to the same object. 'Gasometer' is the traditional British term, while 'gas holder' is the more modern and American term.
Many were 'water-sealed' or 'telescoping' holders. The central drum(s) would rise and fall with the volume of gas inside, like a piston, to maintain pressure.
A large, often cylindrical container used for storing gas under pressure or at atmospheric pressure, recognizable by its tall, often telescoping structure.
Gasometer is usually technical, historical, british english in register.
Gasometer: in British English it is pronounced /ɡæˈsɒm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡæˈsɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GAS + METER (like a speedometer, but for gas) – a device that 'meters' or holds gas.
Conceptual Metaphor
A gasometer is a LUNG for the city (inhaling and exhaling gas to meet demand).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'gasometer' most commonly used for the large industrial gas storage structure?