Greenhouse

noun (also used attributively/adjectivally, as in "greenhouse gas", "greenhouse effect")

/ˈɡriːn.haʊs/

A structure with glass or translucent walls and roof used to cultivate plants under controlled conditions; in climate science, the term refers to the "greenhouse effect" whereby atmospheric gases trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, warming the planet.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

India's developmental imperatives cannot be pursued in isolation from its climate obligations: as one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the country must reconcile rapid industrialisation with its Panchamrit pledge to achieve net-zero by 2070.

Synonyms

glasshousehothouseconservatorynurseryorangerysolarium

Antonyms

coldframeicehousecold store

🌱 Word Family

greenhouse (adj, attributive), greenshouse gases (n pl)

🔡 Root

Coined/Modern: English compound green + house; first attested 1664 (John Evelyn); meteorological metaphor 19th c.

📜 Etymology

Compound of English green + house; first attested in 1664 in the writings of John Evelyn to describe a glass building for growing plants; the meteorological analogy "greenhouse effect" was coined in the 19th century to describe atmospheric heat-trapping.

🧠 Memory Hook

A house kept "green" all year — its glass walls trap the sun's heat just as greenhouse GASES trap the Earth's heat, keeping plants (and the planet) warm.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2025 — Sustainable Economy
Prelims 2025 — Climate Change
Prelims 2024 — Physical Geography
Prelims 2015 — Climate Change
Mains 2022 · GS3 · 15 marks — Environment and Ecology

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Greenhouse” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🌿 Environment & Ecology 📖 Seen in: Climate Change — Paris Agreement, Indi...

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