swamp gas en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
* (hydrogen sulfide): So called because it is often emitted from wetlands such as swamps as a result of anaerobic bacteria, and is responsible for their foul “rotten egg” odor. * (ufology): An explanation given by then-skeptic J. Allen Hynek for an alleged UFO sighting in Michigan near Lake Huron in 1966.
Meanings
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(literally, uncountable) Gases emitted from a swamp.
Swamp gas occasionally catches fire. Sometimes lightning sets off a patch of swamp gas.
- (colloquial, uncountable) Hydrogen sulfide.
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(sarcastic, uncountable) A skeptical explanation that is provided in order to debunk a UFO sighting that a believer regards as ludicrous, illogical or disingenuous.
He explained away an especially peculiar sighting with another helping of good old swamp gas.
Relateds
Synonyms
biogas · weather balloon · marsh gas · rotten egg gas · pelicanist · bog gas