limonene

[ lim-uh-neen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a liquid terpene, C 40 H 16 , occurring in two optically different forms, the dextrorotatory form being present in the essential oils of lemon, orange, etc., and the levorotatory form in Douglas fir needle oil.

limonene

/ ˈlɪməˌniːn /

noun

1. a liquid optically active terpene with a lemon-like odour, found in lemon, orange, peppermint, and other essential oils and used as a wetting agent and in the manufacture of resins. Formula: C 10 H 16

Word History and Origins

Origin of limonene¹

1835–45; < New Latin Limon ( um ) lemon + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of limonene¹

C19: from New Latin limonum lemon

Example Sentences

For example, there are sensory neurons in our noses that bear receptors uniquely tuned to detect ethyl vanillin, the main odorant in vanilla, and other cells with receptors for limonene, lemon's signature odorant.

From Science Daily

One molecule of concern is limonene, a commonly added to cleaners and furniture polish to help remove oil and grease.

From Science Magazine

For example, one version of the molecule limonene — the right-handed one — smells like lemon, and its mirror image, which is left-handed, smells like orange.

From New York Times

This hybrid strain is limonene dominant, and many report feeling energetic and uplifted after consumption.

From Seattle Times

Fortunak said the process of boiling citrus rinds in water isolates a natural chemical compound called limonene, which has health benefits, but is “assuredly not hydroxychloroquine.”

From Seattle Times