pinene

[ pahy-neen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a liquid terpene, C 1 0 H 1 6 , the principal constituent of oil of turpentine, found in other essential oils: used chiefly in the manufacture of camphor.

pinene

/ ˈpaɪniːn /

noun

1. either of two isomeric terpenes, found in many essential oils and constituting the main part of oil of turpentine. The commonest structural isomer ( α-pinene ) is used in the manufacture of camphor, solvents, plastics, and insecticides. Formula: C 10 H 16

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinene¹

First recorded in 1880–85; pine ¹ + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinene¹

C20: from pine ¹+ -ene

Example Sentences

The method, detailed in the Journal of Economic Entomology, uses a pleasant-smelling chemical released by forest trees called pinene that reminds western drywood termites of their food.

From Science Daily

Using an attractant like pinene eliminates the need to hunt for the termites.

From Science Daily

"Even at low concentrations, pinene is good at attracting termites from a distance," Choe said.

From Science Daily

"We saw significant differences in the death rates using insecticide alone versus the insecticide plus pinene," said UCR entomologist Dong-Hwan Choe, who led the discovery.

From Science Daily

“You’ve got pinene coming in at 2.83 percent, good for memory retention and alertness, and then myrcene, which should help balance out some of the raciness from the limonene. Myrcene is good for your brain’s absorption of metabolizing THC but also has relaxing, sedating qualities.”

From New York Times