SAFETY LAMP Meaning and
Definition
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A safety lamp is a specialized lighting device designed to prevent explosions by containing and controlling the ignition of flammable gases present in underground mines or volatile workplaces. Also known as a flame safety lamp or Davy lamp, it was invented in the early 19th century by Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, to address the increasing hazard of methane gas explosions in coal mines.
The safety lamp typically consists of a flame enclosure made of heat-resistant glass or metal, which holds a controlled flame within, and a protective mesh or gauze surrounding the flame. The gauze acts as a flame arrestor, preventing the ignition of flammable gas outside the lamp by conducting heat away from the flame before it can ignite the surrounding atmosphere. This unique feature allows miners to detect the presence of dangerous gases, such as methane, by observing the behavior of the flame. If the flame suddenly expands or burns more brightly, it indicates the presence of a higher concentration of gas.
By using a safety lamp, miners can safely navigate through potentially explosive working environments, as any ignition of gas within the lamp is isolated from the external atmosphere. The safety lamp played a crucial role in reducing the number of mine explosions and protecting the lives of miners during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Although modern mining operations have introduced other safety measures, the safety lamp remains an important historical landmark in the development of safety technology.
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A lamp covered with wire-gauze for use in mines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SAFETY LAMP
- aafety lamp
- zafety lamp
- xafety lamp
- dafety lamp
- eafety lamp
- wafety lamp
- szfety lamp
- ssfety lamp
- swfety lamp
- sqfety lamp
- sadety lamp
- sacety lamp
- savety lamp
- sagety lamp
- satety lamp
- sarety lamp
- safwty lamp
- safsty lamp
- safdty lamp
Etymology of SAFETY LAMP
The word "safety lamp" is a combination of the noun "safety" and the noun "lamp".
The term "safety" originated from the Late Latin word "salvitas", meaning "health, well-being, or safety". It further evolved from the Latin word "salvus", meaning "free from harm, uninjured, or in good health". The word was adapted into Old French as "safeté", and later into Middle English as "safeti" before becoming "safety" in its present form.
The word "lamp" has its roots in the Latin word "lampas", meaning "torch or lamp". This Latin word was ultimately derived from the Greek word "lampein", meaning "to shine".
Similar spelling word for SAFETY LAMP
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