monoterpene

noun

mono·​ter·​pene ˌmä-nə-ˈtər-ˌpēn How to pronounce monoterpene (audio)
: any of a class of terpenes C10H16 containing two isoprene units per molecule
also : a derivative of a monoterpene

Examples of monoterpene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When just ozone was added, the scent’s monoterpene concentrations fell by about 30 percent. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Most abundant were the terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, phenyl propanoids, and phenols. Discover Magazine, 19 Aug. 2010 Trees emit natural volatiles like isoprene and monoterpenes, which can spark cloud-forming chemical reactions. WIRED, 29 Sep. 2023 For instance, plants that produced monoterpenes and benzenoids—which are compounds emitted by flowers and fruits—attracted more pollinators, like bees and moths. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monoterpene was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near monoterpene

Cite this Entry

“Monoterpene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monoterpene. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

monoterpene

noun
mono·​ter·​pene ˌmän-ə-ˈtər-ˌpēn How to pronounce monoterpene (audio)
: any of a class of terpenes C10H16 containing two isoprene units per molecule
also : a derivative of a monoterpene

More from Merriam-Webster on monoterpene

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