[chohk-damp] 
| mine atmosphere so low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide as to cause choking. |
| black·damp (blāk'dāmp') n. A noncombustible gas that consists of a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, found in mines after fires or explosions and incapable of supporting life. Also called chokedamp. [black + damp, gas.] |
| choke·damp (chōk'dāmp') n. See blackdamp. [So called because it causes suffocation in mines.] |
