Dictionary

1damp

noun \ˈdamp\

: slight wetness in the air

Full Definition of DAMP

1
:  a noxious gas — compare black damp, firedamp
2
:  moisture:
a :  humidity, dampness
b archaic :  fog, mist
3
a :  discouragement, check
b archaic :  depression, dejection
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Origin of DAMP

Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor
First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with DAMP

2damp

verb

: to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet

: to make (something) less strong or active

Full Definition of DAMP

transitive verb
1
a :  to affect with or as if with a noxious gas :  choke
b :  to diminish the activity or intensity of <damping down the causes of inflation> <liquid damps out compass oscillations>
c :  to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2
:  dampen
intransitive verb
:  to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation

First Known Use of DAMP

14th century

3damp

adjective

: somewhat or slightly wet

Full Definition of DAMP

1
a archaic :  being confused, bewildered, or shocked :  stupefied
b :  depressed, dull
2
:  slightly or moderately wet :  moist <a damp towel>; also :  humid <damp weather>
damp·ish \ˈdam-pish\ adjective
damp·ly adverb
damp·ness noun

First Known Use of DAMP

1590

Synonym Discussion of DAMP

wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid. wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (as paint) not yet dry <slipped on the wet pavement>. damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture <clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place>. dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness <a prisoner in a cold, dank cell>. moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry <treat the injury with moist heat>. humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air <a hot, humid climate>.
DAMPNESS Defined for Kids

1damp

noun \ˈdamp\

Definition of DAMP for Kids

1
:  moisture <The cold and damp made me shiver.>
2
:  a harmful gas found especially in coal mines

2damp

verb
dampeddamp·ing

Definition of DAMP for Kids

:  dampen

3damp

adjective
damp·erdamp·est

Definition of DAMP for Kids

:  slightly wet :  moist
damp·ness noun
Medical Dictionary

damp

noun \ˈdamp\

Medical Definition of DAMP

:  a noxious or stifling gas or vapor; especially :  one occurring in coal mines—usually used in plural; see black damp, firedamp

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