greenhouse

green-house · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A building made largely of glass in which plants are grown that need protection from cold weather.

  2. 2.

    Relating to the warming effect caused by certain gases in the atmosphere.

Forms

plural: greenhouses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    greenhouse effect — the warming of Earth's surface caused by atmospheric gases
  • •
    greenhouse gases — gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect (CO2, methane, etc.)
  • •
    greenhouse emissions — release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

Related words

See also: climate, environment, garden
Synonyms: conservatory, glasshouse, hothouse

Etymology

Compound of green + house. First used in the 17th century to describe structures for growing plants. The environmental sense developed in the 20th century.