terpene

noun

ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C₁₀H₁₆ found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis

broadly : any of numerous hydrocarbons (C₅H₈)_n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams

terpeneless

ˈtər-ˌpēn-ləs 

adjective

terpenoid

ˈtər-pə-ˌnȯid 

ˌtər-ˈpē-

adjective or noun

Examples of terpene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Talk of terpenes and cannabinoids is all the rage today. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024

These compounds include terpenes, essential oils, and other vital cannabinoids. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2024

The terpene will help the cannabinoids fight depression and reduce the pain. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024

In order to infuse the flavor or aroma into the product, Tumble uses Timeless terpenes — aromatic compounds derived from plants. —Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary terp- (from German Terpentin turpentine, from Medieval Latin terbentina) + -ene — more at turpentine

First Known Use

circa 1873, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

terpene

noun

ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C₁₀H₁₆ found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis

broadly : any of numerous hydrocarbons (C₅H₈)_n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams

terpeneless

-ləs 

adjective

terpenic

ˌtər-ˈpē-nik  -ˈpen-ik 

adjective