terpene

American  

[tur-peen] / ˈtɜr pin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. (originally) any of a class of monocyclic hydrocarbons of the formula C 10 H 16 , obtained from plants.

2. this class or any of its oxygenated derivatives, any hydrocarbon from the same source having the formula C 5 H 8 hemiterpene, the formula C 10 H 16 with an aliphatic structure acyclic terpene or two-ringed structure bicyclic terpene, the formula C 15 H 24 sesquiterpene, etc., and any of their oxygenated derivatives.

---

terpene British  

/ ˈtɜːpiːn /

noun

1. 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

---

terpene Scientific  

/ tûr′pēn′ /

1. Any of a class of hydrocarbons consisting of two or more isoprene (C ₅ H ₈) 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.

---

Other Word Forms

• terpeneless adjective
• terpenic adjective

Etymology

Origin of terpene

1865–70; alteration of terebene, with p from turpentine

Example Sentences

Wormwood contains a compound known as thujones, which is a terpene.

From Salon

It also releases terpenes into the soil that can kill off many plants competing for its nutrients, so consider carefully where to put it in your yard.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s a problem: The molecules that make up many of these essential oils, known as terpenes, are small and light.

From Washington Post

This time there’s tableside Sour Diesel terpene smoke drifting over the dish — more dinner and a show, which we’re even more delighted by this time around.

From Los Angeles Times

This cocktail uses a few drops of OG Sweet Backwoods terpene, which imparts the slightest scent of what could be likened to a blunt wrap — to stay on theme.

From Los Angeles Times