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

The industry’s obsession with olfactory hierarchies of terpenes and flavors has supplanted genuine curiosity about the science of cannabis. —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025

Their disposable vapes, created with organic hemp flowers and infused with natural terpenes, offer a premium experience. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

To make a cannabis edible or vape taste like a candy cane or a cherry pie, custom terpenes and flavorants need to be added back in. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Topics can range from the health benefits and risks of cannabis to the science behind terpenes and cannabinoids. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 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