greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect

Water vapor is an important gas for the study of climate and weather because of its role as a natural greenhouse gas as well as its relationship to clouds and precipitation.

—Mohi Kumar

Scientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.

—Science News

While it may not be possible to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions, it is possible to offset some of the emissions that do still occur. Offsetting involves supporting projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions in another location.

—Tyson Miller

Livestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.

—Marley Walker

Examples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal is to lower the cost barrier for residents, hopefully reducing car trips and, ultimately, greenhouse gas emissions. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Despite ambitious climate goals and heavy investment in renewable energy, tech companies including Google and Microsoft have seen their greenhouse gas emissions rise with the growth of data centers. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Cruise lines like Selar harness renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Seattle's greenhouse gas emissions rose 4.7% from 2020 to 2022, outpacing the city's population growth. —Axios Seattle, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gases (as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect