monoterpene

noun

mono·​ter·​pene ˌmä-nə-ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: any of a class of terpenes C₁₀H₁₆ containing two isoprene units per molecule

also : a derivative of a monoterpene

Examples of monoterpene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This happens because monoterpenes are clunky molecules full of carbon atoms. —Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

When just ozone was added, the scent’s monoterpene concentrations fell by about 30 percent. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024

Most abundant were the terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, phenyl propanoids, and phenols. —Discover Magazine, 19 Aug. 2010

Trees emit natural volatiles like isoprene and monoterpenes, which can spark cloud-forming chemical reactions. —WIRED, 29 Sep. 2023

For instance, plants that produced monoterpenes and benzenoids—which are compounds emitted by flowers and fruits—attracted more pollinators, like bees and moths. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monoterpene

• sesquiterpene

Medical Definition

monoterpene

noun

mono·​ter·​pene ˌmän-ə-ˈtər-ˌpēn 

: any of a class of terpenes C₁₀H₁₆ containing two isoprene units per molecule

also : a derivative of a monoterpene