greenhouse gas

Definition

Any gas (such as carbon dioxide, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), or methane) that contributes to the greenhouse effect when released into the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation emitted by a planet's surface, thus increasing the surface temperature.

Example Sentences

• "Termites and cows account for much greenhouse gas."
• "Only two greenhouse gases get much attention."
• "Models of the climate system serve as the primary means for developing quantitative estimates of the effects of increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. Since increases in the concentrations of CO₂ and other "greenhouse" gases lead to changes in the radiation field, the treatment of radiative processes is the natural starting point for comparison of model studies."