limonene

noun

lim·​o·​nene ˈli-mə-ˌnēn 

: a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C₁₀H₁₆ that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor

Examples of limonene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The extracts and oils are derived commercially from citrus peels—limonene, pinene, and terpinene—and repel carpenter ants, cowpea weevils, lesser grain borers, German cockroaches, and other insects. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

An orange peel has less than 1.2% of the compound limonene, which does repel bugs, while essential oil is more than 90% limonene. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

For instance, the terpene limonene, known for its citrus scent, can be found in perfumes and candles, offering a refreshing and uplifting aroma. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

However, some of the chemicals responsible for these smells, such as limonene, are the very VOCs that groups including EWG have identified as potentially problematic. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from French limon lemon, from Middle French

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for limonene

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

limonene

noun

lim·​o·​nene ˈlim-ə-ˌnēn 

: a liquid terpene hydrocarbon C₁₀H₁₆ that has an odor like a lemon, exists in dextrorotatory, levorotatory, and racemic forms, and occurs in many essential oils compare dipentene