Greenhouse: meaning, definitions and examples

A structure used to grow plants in a controlled environment. Suitable for both scientific research and gardening.

• She spends weekends tending to her tomatoes in the greenhouse
• The greenhouse helps extend the growing season for many plants

A type of greenhouse made primarily of glass, often used in a more formal or ornamental setting.

• The botanical garden's glasshouse was a marvel of Victorian engineering
• Rare orchids thrived in the glasshouse's humid environment

A heated greenhouse, especially one used for growing tender plants or vegetables. Can also imply an intense environment in a figurative sense.

• The hothouse was filled with tropical plants that couldn't survive outdoors
• The startup's office felt like a hothouse of innovation and stress

A small, heated structure used for growing plants, often utilized for starting seeds early in the season. Informal term, sometimes used casually.

• He built a hotbox in his backyard to get a head start on growing herbs
• The hotbox kept the seedlings warm during the cold nights

This word is also used in the context of the 'greenhouse effect,' which refers to the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by certain gases.

• The greenhouse effect is causing global temperatures to rise.
• Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere.

This term is suitable for discussions related to gases, chemistry, or the environment, especially when talking about emissions and climate change.

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
• Carbon dioxide emissions from cars contribute to global warming.

This is appropriate for environmental or scientific discussions about climate change, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

• Methane is released during the production of natural gas and oil.
• Cows produce methane as part of their digestive process, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Use this term when discussing the water cycle, weather forecasting, or greenhouse effects, as water vapor is also a greenhouse gas.

• Water vapor in the air eventually condenses into clouds and causes rain.
• Increased water vapor can enhance the greenhouse effect and lead to more warming.