The vapor state of matter; nonelastic fluids in which the molecules are in free movement and their mean positions far apart. Gases tend to expand indefinitely, to diffuse and mix readily with other gases, to have definite relations of volume, temperature, and pressure, and to condense or liquefy at low temperatures or under sufficient pressure. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)
Synonyms: 0 Gases
Term information
does not include natural gas ( = NATURAL GAS see FOSSIL FUELS); does not include blood gases ( = OXYGEN /blood or CARBON DIOXIDE /blood); gas embolism = EMBOLISM, AIR; intestinal gases = GASES + INTESTINES /physiol unless clinically referred to as FLATULENCE (Cat C)