limonene

American  

[lim-uh-neen] / ˈlɪm əˌnin /

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.

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limonene British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of limonene

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

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 • Dec. 21, 2023

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

From Science Magazine • Feb. 24, 2022

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 • Oct. 6, 2021

Some research has shown that limonene from citrus has antibacterial and antiviral properties, but it’s not known whether it’s effective specifically against the coronavirus.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2020

The remainder of the oil consists chiefly of limonene.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.