terpene

[ tur-peen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. (originally) any of a class of monocyclic hydrocarbons of the formula C 10 H 16 , obtained from plants.
2. this class or any of its oxygenated derivatives, any hydrocarbon from the same source having the formula C 5 H 8 hemiterpene, the formula C 10 H 16 with an aliphatic structure acyclic terpene or two-ringed structure bicyclic terpene, the formula C 15 H 24 sesquiterpene, etc., and any of their oxygenated derivatives.

terpene

/ ˈtɜːpiːn /

noun

1. 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 (C 5 H 8 ) n

terpene

/ tûr′pēn′ /

1. Any of a class of hydrocarbons consisting of two or more isoprene (C 5 H 8 ) 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.

Derived Forms

• terˈpenic, adjective

Other Words From

• terpene·less adjective
• ter·pe·nic [tur-, pee, -nik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terpene¹

1865–70; alteration of terebene, with p from turpentine

Word History and Origins

Origin of terpene¹

C19: terp- from obsolete terpentine turpentine + -ene

Example Sentences

Though QS-21 is a complex molecule containing a terpene core and eight sugar molecules, it has been synthesized in the laboratory.

From Science Daily

There is an important prerequisite for their development into drugs, however: these terpenes should be produced synthetically from simple starting materials.

From Science Daily

The smalls instead come from natural oils called terpenes and flavonoids.

From Salon

Pavlovic, 31, is an aspiring stand-up comic who began smoking to help with anxiety and found himself down what he called the “cannasseur” rabbit hole, reading forum posts about exotic hybrid genetics and terpene levels.

From New York Times

Meanwhile more terpenes, chemicals in cannabis that contribute to flavor but not active drug concentration, came out of the plant at the beginning of the joint.

From Scientific American