green chemistry

noun

plural green chemistries

: an approach to designing and creating chemical processes and products that are safer for humans and the environment, that minimize waste, and that are energy efficient

The 12 principles of green chemistry outline a framework for identifying a greener chemical or process, spanning aspects in health hazard, ecological risk, and resource efficiency across a product lifecycle.—

Ashley DeVierno Kreuder et al.

Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical products and processes that reduce the use or creation of hazardous materials.—

Jeremy Speer

—sometimes used before another noun

Identification of a safer barnacle-killing agent for use in paints applied to the hulls of large ships brought Rohm and Haas Corp. of Spring House, Pa., its green chemistry award.—

Janet Raloff

Examples of green chemistry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Next-gen furs using sustainable inputs and green chemistry, the report said, can end the animal cruelty of fur production and lower environmental impact. —

Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 The key targets innovators should hit while creating down alternatives include using biobased inputs that can be recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life, utilizing green chemistry and reducing environmental impact. —

Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of green chemistry was in 1989

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Green chemistry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20chemistry. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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