outgas
C1-C2 (Low frequency, specialized technical term)Technical / Scientific (primarily); occasionally used in metaphorical or informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To release or emit gas, especially gas that was trapped, absorbed, or dissolved within a material.
To gradually release volatile substances; in a broader metaphorical sense, to gradually release pent-up emotions or tensions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The process is often passive, gradual, or unintentional. In technical contexts, it refers to a physical phenomenon, not a deliberate act of venting (e.g., 'venting a pipe' is deliberate; 'outgassing' is a material property).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling may occasionally appear hyphenated ('out-gas'), especially in older texts, in both varieties. The term is equally specialized in both regions.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The metaphorical use (e.g., 'outgassing stress') is extremely rare but equally possible in both.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and highly technical in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Material] outgasses.[Material] outgasses [gas/chemical].[Material] is outgassing [gas/chemical] into [environment].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in manufacturing, safety, or quality control reports (e.g., 'The new upholstery must not outgas toxic substances.')
Academic
Common in materials science, chemistry, physics, geology (e.g., volcanic outgassing), and engineering papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Possibly used in DIY/home improvement contexts regarding paints, sealants, or new furniture.
Technical
Core usage domain. Describes processes in vacuum technology, semiconductor manufacturing, space environments (e.g., spacecraft outgassing), and polymer science.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new laminate flooring may outgas formaldehyde for several weeks.
- In a vacuum chamber, materials outgas more rapidly.
American English
- The new carpet will outgas VOCs, so ventilate the room well.
- Scientists measure how much a polymer outgasses in space-like conditions.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The outgassing rate of the silicone sealant was found to be acceptable.
- We need a low-outgassing adhesive for the satellite component.
American English
- The specification calls for an outgassing-resistant material.
- They tested the outgassing properties of various thermal foams.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not typically learned at A2 level.
- New car seats sometimes have a smell because they outgas.
- Open the windows to let the paint outgas.
- Manufacturers aim to create plastics that outgas less to improve indoor air quality.
- The astronaut reported a strange odour, likely from outgassing materials.
- Contaminants in the vacuum system often originate from outgassing of chamber wall materials.
- The study quantified the outgassing kinetics of phthalates from the polymer matrix.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a new plastic TOY GASsing up (OUTGASsing) a strange smell when you take it OUT of its box.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIALS ARE CONTAINERS (that can leak gas). / STRESS/PRESSURE IS A TRAPPED GAS (metaphorically: 'She needed to outgas after the stressful meeting.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'выпускать газ' (to vent/flatulate). 'Outgas' is a passive material property, not an action by a person or machine. 'Дегазировать' or 'выделять газ' are closer technical equivalents.
- Avoid direct calque of 'out' as 'вне'. The prefix 'out-' here means 'release outward'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a deliberate action (e.g., 'He outgassed the tank' is incorrect; use 'vented' or 'purged').
- Confusing 'outgas' (intransitive/process) with 'degas' (often a transitive/active process).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'outgas' used most precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Vent' is a deliberate, controlled action (e.g., venting steam from a pipe). 'Outgas' describes a passive, often uncontrolled, process where a material releases gas due to its inherent properties or environmental conditions (e.g., heat, vacuum).
Yes, though less common. Liquids can outgas dissolved gases when pressure decreases or temperature increases (e.g., carbonated water outgasses CO2 when opened).
The most common noun is 'outgassing' (e.g., 'The outgassing of the material was measured.').
It is highly informal and creative. While understood, it is non-standard. In formal writing, use words like 'vent', 'express', or 'release' for emotions.