menthane

noun

men·​thane

ˈmenˌthān

plural -s

: any of three isomeric liquid saturated cyclic hydrocarbons C₁₀H₂₀ that are hexahydro derivatives of the cymenes

especially : the para isomer that is the parent compound of many terpenoids (as carvone, menthol, terpineol) compare structural formula

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary menth- + -ane

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!