pinene

American  

[pahy-neen] / ˈpaɪ nin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a liquid terpene, C 1 0 H 1 6 , the principal constituent of oil of turpentine, found in other essential oils: used chiefly in the manufacture of camphor.

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pinene British  

/ ˈpaɪniːn /

noun

1. either of two isomeric terpenes, found in many essential oils and constituting the main part of oil of turpentine. The commonest structural isomer ( α-pinene ) is used in the manufacture of camphor, solvents, plastics, and insecticides. Formula: C 10 H 16

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Etymology

Origin of pinene

First recorded in 1880–85; pine ¹ + -ene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pinene

It states that adding pinene to localized treatments killed termites more quickly and increased final mortality compared with insecticide alone.

From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026

In experiments tied to a study in the Journal of Economic Entomology, the team used pinene, a pleasant-smelling compound released by forest trees, to make the insects move toward treated wood.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026

Using an attractant like pinene eliminates the need to hunt for the termites.

From Science Daily ● May 31, 2024

"Even at low concentrations, pinene is good at attracting termites from a distance," Choe said.

From Science Daily ● May 31, 2024

It consists largely of pinene and isomeric terpenes, and has the property of attracting oxygen, with the formation of peroxides which stimulate the drying of oils.

From Paint Technology and Tests by Gardner, Henry A.