terpene

noun

ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: 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

terpeneless

ˈtər-ˌpēn-ləs 

adjective

terpenoid

ˈtər-pə-ˌnȯid 

ˌtər-ˈpē-

adjective or noun

Examples of terpene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Compounds like terpenes, THC or CBD can break down into harmful constituents when under the right conditions. —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2024

This method naturally retains more CBD, terpenes, other cannabinoids, and flavonoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Full-spectrum oils contain all the beneficial compounds found in hemp plants, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

The best products on the market have undergone extensive third-party lab testing, and they are infused with natural terpenes, ensuring purity and high potency. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary terp- (from German Terpentin turpentine, from Medieval Latin terbentina) + -ene — more at turpentine

First Known Use

circa 1873, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

terpene

noun

ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: 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

terpeneless

-ləs 

adjective

terpenic

ˌtər-ˈpē-nik  -ˈpen-ik 

adjective