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.

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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

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• terpeneless
  adjective
• terpenic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of terpene

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

Example Sentences

"This study was the first to investigate the impact of terpenes in preclinical models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain and expand the scope of potential pain-relieving treatments using terpenes."

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

The smalls instead come from natural oils called terpenes and flavonoids.

From Salon • May 2, 2024

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 • Nov. 15, 2022

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 • Aug. 8, 2022

CAMPHORS, organic chemical compounds, the alcohols and ketones of the hydrocarbons known as terpenes, occurring associated with volatile oils in many plants.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 2 "Camorra" to "Cape Colony" by Various