SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

off–gassing

play

noun off–gas·sing \ˈȯf-ˌga-siŋ\

Definition of off–gassing

: the emission of especially noxious gases (as from a building material)

First Known Use of off–gassing

1965

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up off–gassing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

melee

play

a confused struggle

Words at Play

alt-597a2ef226ea8

Are You Craving 'Ice Tea' or 'Iced Tea'?

When tea is cold and refreshing, is it 'ice tea' or 'iced tea'?

9 Surprising Word Histories of Computer Terms

People have been blogging since the 18th century.

alt-597a00ef4b9d7

'Motif' vs 'Leitmotif'

A pattern emerges.

alt-5978b44edfb13

Our (Almost) Final Word on 'Penultimate'

The ultimate guide to using penultimate.

Ask the Editors

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

alt-597a99e699d07

July 2017 Words of the Day Quiz

Test your knowledge.

Take the quiz

The Emoji Quiz

Think you’re an emoji 👓 expert? Let’s see 🤔

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Dictionary Devil

Dictionary Devil

The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?

Play the game