ter·pene (tûr p n )n. Any of various unsaturated hydrocarbons, C10H16, found in essential oils and oleoresins of plants such as conifers and used in organic syntheses. [Obsolete terp(entine), variant of turpentine + -ene.] ter·pe nic adj.ter pe·noid adj. & n. |
terpene [ˈtɜːpiːn]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) any one of a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as the carotenes, that are found in the essential oils of many plants. Their molecules contain isoprene units and have the general formula (C5H8)n
[terp- from obsolete terpentine turpentine + -ene]
terpenic adj
| terpene (tûrpn) Any of a class of hydrocarbons consisting of two or more isoprene (C5H8) units joined together. Simple terpenes are found in the essential oils and resins of plants such as conifers. Turpentine, for example, is such an oil. More complex terpenes include vitamin A, carotenoid pigments (such as lycopene), squalene, and rubber. Terpenes are used in organic synthesis. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | terpene - an unsaturated hydrocarbon obtained from plants hydrocarbon - an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen limonene - a liquid terpene with a lemon odor; found in lemons and oranges and other essential oils |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|