terpene

ter·pene  (tûrpn)

n.

Any of various unsaturated hydrocarbons, C₁₀H₁₆, found in essential oils and oleoresins of plants such as conifers and used in organic syntheses.

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[Obsolete terp(entine), variant of turpentine + -ene.]

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ter·penic adj.

terpe·noid adj. & n.

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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

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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.

Thesaurus

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