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

Mitigation finance, which supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, is directly tied to business interests. —María Mendiluce, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

And although there’s debate about how effective technologies such as carbon storage will be at slowing greenhouse gas emissions, CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo reports on a major step in the state’s efforts in this direction. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024

Stunning stat: Construction and building materials production generate 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. —Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024

Nuclear energy is a climate solution in that its reactors don't emit the planet-warming greenhouse gases that come from power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and gas. —CBS News, 16 Oct. 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