gasometer

ɡæˈsɔmɪtə

n. a large tank in which gas is stored for distribution by pipes to users. [F gazomëtre f. gaz gas + -mëtre -METER]

thermolabile

adj. (of a substance) unstable when heated.

tombac

ˈtɔmbæk

n. an alloy of copper and zinc used esp. as material for cheap jewellery. [F f. Malay tambaga copper]

gaslight

ˈɡæslaɪt

n. 1 a jet of burning gas, usu. heating a mantle, to provide light. 2 light emanating from this.

trifurcate

v. & adj. --v.tr. & intr. divide into three branches. --adj. divided into three branches.

pooka

n. Ir. a hobgoblin. [Ir. pÇca]

clam

clæm

n. & v. --n. 1 any bivalve mollusc, esp. the edible N. American hard or round clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) or the soft or long clam (Mya arenaria). 2 colloq. a shy or withdrawn person. --v.intr. (clammed, clamming) 1 dig for clams. 2 (foll. by up) colloq. refuse to talk. [16th c.: app. f. clam a clamp]

subversive

səbˈvə:sɪv

adj. & n. --adj. (of a person, organization, activity, etc.) seeking to subvert (esp. a government). --n. a subversive person; a revolutionary. øøsubversion n. subversively adv. subversiveness n. [med.L subversivus (as SUBVERT)]

knurl

nə:l

n. a small projecting knob, ridge, etc. øøknurled adj. [KNUR]

achillea

n. any plant of the genus Achillea, comprising hardy perennial, usu. aromatic plants with flower-heads (often white or yellow) usu. in corymbs. [L f. Gk Akhilleios a plant supposed to have been used medicinally by Achilles]