gas light crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "gas light crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations and letter counts, to help you finish your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "gas light crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEON: A noble gas used in certain types of electric discharge lamps, which could be implied by 'gas light' in a less direct crossword context.
6 Letters
MANTLE: The incandescent fabric mesh in a gas lantern that glows brightly when heated by a gas flame.
7 Letters
GASLAMP: A traditional lamp that burns gas for illumination, commonly used for street lighting or in historical settings.
More About "gas light crossword clue"
The term "gas light" evokes a rich history of illumination before the advent of widespread electricity. From the early 19th century, gas lamps revolutionized urban landscapes, providing brighter and more consistent light for streets, homes, and public buildings. They replaced dimmer oil lamps and candles, transforming nightlife and commerce in cities worldwide. These lamps typically used coal gas or, later, natural gas, fed through pipes to burners that produced a flame.
A key component of many early gas lights was the Welsbach mantle, invented in 1885. This fragile, incandescent fabric mesh, when heated by a gas flame, would glow with a brilliant white light, significantly increasing the lamp's efficiency and brightness. While electric lights eventually surpassed them in convenience and safety, gas lights remain a symbol of a bygone era, often seen in historical districts, period films, and sometimes for nostalgic or decorative purposes today.
In crosswords, "gas light" can refer to the physical apparatus, a component, or even a type of gas associated with lighting, requiring solvers to consider various interpretations to find the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Crossword clues often play on words with multiple definitions. "Gas light" could refer to the lamp itself, a type of gas used in lighting (like neon), or even an archaic term or concept.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given number of letters to narrow down possibilities. If you have "gas light" and need a 4-letter word, you'll think differently than if you need a 7-letter word.
- Think About Context and Era: Is the puzzle historical, modern, or scientific? "Gas light" can be a very historical clue, but also surprisingly modern if referring to a type of gas used in lighting.
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: Don't just think of direct synonyms. For "gas light," consider related terms like "lantern," "illuminant," or even components like "mantle" or "burner."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a "gas light"?
A gas light is a type of lamp that produces illumination by burning a gaseous fuel. Historically, this often included coal gas, natural gas, or propane, used for street lighting and indoor illumination before the widespread adoption of electricity.
Are gas lights still used today?
While largely superseded by electric lighting for general use, gas lights are still employed today for specific purposes. These include decorative outdoor lighting, camping lanterns, or as a reliable light source in areas without consistent electricity. They offer a unique, warm glow.
How can 'gas light' be a tricky crossword clue?
The clue 'gas light' can be tricky because it might refer to the device itself (like a GASLAMP), a specific component (like a MANTLE), the type of gas used (such as NEON), or even a historical concept related to its dimming effect (as in 'gaslighting'). Crossword setters often use such clues to test solvers' breadth of knowledge and lateral thinking.