pinene

noun

pi·​nene ˈpī-ˌnēn 

: either of two liquid isomeric unsaturated bicyclic terpene hydrocarbons C₁₀H₁₆ of which one is a major constituent of wood turpentine

Examples of pinene 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

For example, younger consumers who might be using cannabis for stress relief or energy could turn to strains rich in limonene or pinene. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024

People who walk in scented pine forests for two hours, for example, have been shown to have significantly high levels of the scent compound pinene in their blood. —Kathy Willis, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2024

Combining pinene with caryophyllene could produce a refreshing pine-like flavor with a subtle spiciness. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023

Some common terpenes: myrcene (herbal, also found in lemongrass, hops, eucalyptus), limonene (also found in citrus peel), linalool (a terpene found in lavender and mint plants) and pinene (familiar from the scent of pine needles). —Samantha Davenport, Anchorage Daily News, 28 May 2020

The piney-tasting pinene terpene—said to be a bronchodilator good for those with asthma that can be used as an expectorant and to increase alertness—also factors into that brew. —Kathryn Romeyn, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin pinus

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pinene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Medical Definition

pinene

noun

pi·​nene ˈpī-ˌnēn 

: either of two liquid isomeric unsaturated bicyclic terpene hydrocarbons C₁₀H₁₆ of which one is a major constituent of wood turpentine