| a mineral coal that contains volatile hydrocarbons and tarry matter and burns with a yellow, smoky flame; soft coal. |
| bituminous coal n. A type of coal with a high percentage of volatile matter that burns with a smoky yellow flame. Also called soft coal. |
bituminous coal  (bĭ-t 'mə-nəs) Pronunciation Key
A soft type of coal that burns with a smoky, yellow flame. Bituminous coal is the most abundant form of coal. It has a high sulfur content, and when burned, gives off sulfurous compounds that contribute to air pollution and acid rain. Compare anthracite, lignite. |