This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
terpene
[ tur-peen ]
/ ˈtɜr pin /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Chemistry.
(originally) any of a class of monocyclic hydrocarbons of the formula C10H16, obtained from plants.
this class or any of its oxygenated derivatives, any hydrocarbon from the same source having the formula C5H8(hemiterpene ), the formula C10H16 with an aliphatic structure (acyclic terpene ) or two-ringed structure (bicyclic terpene ), the formula C15H24(sesquiterpene ), etc., and any of their oxygenated derivatives.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of terpene
OTHER WORDS FROM terpene
ter·pene·less, adjectiveter·pe·nic [tur-pee-nik], /tɜrˈpi nɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby terpene
Terni, ternion, Ternopil, Ternopol, terotechnology, terpene, terpenoid, terpineol, terpin hydrate, terpolymer, Terpsichore
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use terpene in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for terpene
terpene
/ (ˈtɜːpiːn) /
noun
any one of a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as the carotenes, that are found in the essential oils of many plants. Their molecules contain isoprene units and have the general formula (C 5 H 8) n
Derived forms of terpene
terpenic, adjectiveWord Origin for terpene
C19: terp- from obsolete terpentine turpentine + -ene
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for terpene
terpene
[ tûr′pēn′ ]
Any of a class of hydrocarbons consisting of two or more isoprene (C5H8) units joined together. Simple terpenes are found in the essential oils and resins of plants such as conifers. Turpentine, for example, is such an oil. More complex terpenes include vitamin A, carotenoid pigments (such as lycopene), squalene, and rubber. Terpenes are used in organic synthesis.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.