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greenhouse gases
Definition
Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun. This heat keeps Earth's temperature warm enough to support life.
The most common greenhouse gases are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere, but they trap the heat that is reflected back from Earth's surface.
Greenhouse gases are important for life on Earth. Without them, Earth would be too cold to support life. However, too much greenhouse gases can cause the Earth to warm up, which can lead to climate change.
How can the word be used?
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are trapping heat, causing the planet to warm.
Different forms of the word
Noun: greenhouse gas.
Adjective: greenhouse gas.
Verb: to greenhouse gas.
Synonym: heat-trapping gas.
Etymology
The term "greenhouse gases" was first used in the early 1900s to describe gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, like the glass in a greenhouse. The term is derived from the Old English words "grene" (green) and "hus" (house).
Question
What are greenhouse gases?