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