cymene

noun

cy·​mene

-ˌmēn

plural -s

: any of three isomeric liquid aromatic hydrocarbons (CH₃)₂CHC₆H₄CH₃; methyl-isopropyl-benzene

especially : the para isomer found in many essential oils (as pine oil and spruce turpentine), obtained as a by-product in the production of sulfite pulp, and made synthetically

Word History

Etymology

French cymène, from Greek kyminon cumin + French -ène -ene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!