limonene

[ lim-uh-neen ]

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.

limonene

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of limonene¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of limonene¹

C19: from New Latin limonum lemon

Example Sentences

Among its constituents are limonene, linalyl acetate, geraniol and geranyl acetate.

From Project Gutenberg