limonene

American  

[lim-uh-neen] / ˈlɪm əˌnin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a liquid terpene, C 40 H 16 , occurring in two optically different forms, the dextrorotatory form being present in the essential oils of lemon, orange, etc., and the levorotatory form in Douglas fir needle oil.

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limonene British  

/ ˈlɪməˌniːn /

noun

1. a liquid optically active terpene with a lemon-like odour, found in lemon, orange, peppermint, and other essential oils and used as a wetting agent and in the manufacture of resins. Formula: C 10 H 16

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Etymology

Origin of limonene

1835–45; < New Latin Limon ( um ) lemon + -ene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

limonene

In a recent study, Dai used genetic engineering to develop algae that produce limonene, a natural oil responsible for the familiar scent of oranges.

From Science Daily ● May 12, 2026

One molecule of concern is limonene, a commonly added to cleaners and furniture polish to help remove oil and grease.

From Science Magazine ● Feb. 24, 2022

For example, one version of the molecule limonene — the right-handed one — smells like lemon, and its mirror image, which is left-handed, smells like orange.

From New York Times ● Oct. 6, 2021

Some research has shown that limonene from citrus has antibacterial and antiviral properties, but it’s not known whether it’s effective specifically against the coronavirus.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 24, 2020

The chief constituents of the oil are geraniol, citronellal, linalol, borneol, methyl eugenol, camphene, limonene, and dipentene.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.