greenhouse gas

American  

[green-hous gas] / ˈgrinˌhaʊs ˌgæs /

noun

1. any of the gases whose absorption of solar radiation is responsible for the greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and the fluorocarbons.

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greenhouse gas British  

noun

1. any gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect

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greenhouse gas Scientific  

1. Any of the atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation produced by solar warming of the Earth's surface. They include carbon dioxide (CO ₂), methane (CH ₄), nitrous oxide (N ₂ O), and water vapor. Although greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, the elevated levels especially of carbon dioxide and methane that have been observed in recent decades are directly related, at least in part, to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and the deforestation of tropical forests.

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Etymology

Origin of greenhouse gas

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Net-zero industries are those involved in the drive to ensure Scotland is no longer contributing to the total amount of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Coal is a key contributor to planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, and phasing it out is crucial to taming climate change.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The work also introduces a new strategy for hydrogen exploration that may support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand clean energy options.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

It has raised concerns about the GCC's record of restricting press freedom, using the death penalty, and being high producers of greenhouse gas emissions because of their six countries' oil industries.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

A single CFC molecule is about ten thousand times more efficient at exacerbating greenhouse effects than a molecule of carbon dioxide–and carbon dioxide is of course no slouch itself as a greenhouse gas.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson