Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Terpene
Ter′pene
,Noun.
[See
Turpentine
.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of isomeric hydrocarbons of pleasant aromatic odor, occurring especially in coniferous plants and represented by oil of turpentine, but including also certain hydrocarbons found in some essential oils.
Definition 2024
terpene
terpene
See also: terpène
English
Noun
terpene (plural terpenes)
- (organic chemistry) A very large class of naturally occurring and synthetic organic compounds formally derived from the hydrocarbon isoprene; they include many volatile compounds used in perfume and food flavours, turpentine, the steroids, the carotene pigments and rubber.
Usage notes
Terpenes are properly only hydrocarbons. Oxygenated derivatives are terpenoids.