First Known Use: circa 1873
Dictionary
terpene
noun ter·pene \ˈtər-ˌpēn\
Definition of TERPENE
: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C10H16 found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis; broadly : any of numerous hydrocarbons (C5H8)n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams
— ter·pene·less \-ləs\ adjective
— ter·pe·noid \ˈtər-pə-ˌnȯid, ˌtər-ˈpē-\ adjective or noun
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Origin of TERPENE
International Scientific Vocabulary terp- (from German Terpentin turpentine, from Medieval Latin terbentina) + -ene — more at turpentine
Medical Dictionary
terpene
noun ter·pene \ˈtər-ˌpēn\
Medical Definition of TERPENE
: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C10H16 found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis; broadly : any of numerous hydrocarbons (C5H8)n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams
—ter·pene·less \-ləs\ adjective
—ter·pe·nic \ˌtər-ˈpē-nik, -ˈpen-ik\ adjective
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