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
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Her findings demonstrate that commercial logging releases greenhouse gases and stops the natural cycle of regrowth, preventing the forest floor from sharing carbon resources. Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Shrinking lake ice exacts its price Depending on how much greenhouse gases warm the planet in the coming years, the average lake could lose up to 10 to 28 days of ice cover by the end of the century, says Sapna Sharma, a global change biologist at York University in Canada. Berly McCoy, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026 Connecticut is running behind its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 despite some progress, according to a report from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026 Heather Rock, Michell Buchanan and Heidi Dewar were appointed to the Climate and Resiliency Commission, which evaluates greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the city’s Climate Action Plan. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenhouse gas was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Greenhouse gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse%20gas. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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