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terpene

[ tur-peen ]

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

/ 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

/ tûrpēn′ /

  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.


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Derived Forms

  • terˈpenic, adjective

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Other Words From

  • terpene·less adjective
  • ter·pe·nic [tur-, pee, -nik], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of terpene1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of terpene1

C19: terp- from obsolete terpentine turpentine + -ene

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Example Sentences

Chemically, the camphors may be divided into two main groups, according to the nature of the corresponding hydrocarbon or terpene.

Hence it is a hydrocarbon of the terpene series, having the general formula CnH2n-4.

It has not yet been converted again into terpene, but the connection is sufficiently proved.

The principal constituents of the oil are a terpene, asarol alcohol, another alcohol, and methyl eugenol.

They are usually present in the plant oil in mixtures with each other or with a terpene.

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