Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation: A greenhouse gas is a gaseous compound in the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect, which traps heat and contributes to global warming and climate change.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas.
  • The treaty aims to reduce emissions of potent greenhouse gases.
  • Scientists measure the concentration of various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Advanced Usage

• "Anthropogenic greenhouse gas": A greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere due to human activities.

  • The burning of fossil fuels is the primary source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases.

• "Greenhouse gas inventory": A quantified list of a country's or organization's greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

  • The company published its annual greenhouse gas inventory.

Variants and Related Words

• Greenhouse effect (n): The natural process by which the atmosphere traps some of the Sun's energy, warming the Earth. Enhanced by increased greenhouse gas concentrations.

  • The enhanced greenhouse effect is leading to global temperature rise.

• Greenhouse gas emissions (n phrase): The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

  • Policies target a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Synonyms

• Heat-trapping gas: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the gas's function.
• Climate-altering gas: A term highlighting the impact on climate systems.

Related Phrases

• Greenhouse gas footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by an entity.

  • Consumers are increasingly aware of their personal greenhouse gas footprint.

• Greenhouse gas sink: A reservoir (like a forest or ocean) that absorbs more greenhouse gases than it releases.

  • Oceans act as a crucial greenhouse gas sink.

Noun

1. a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation