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
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
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monoterpene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near monoterpene
Cite this Entry
“Monoterpene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monoterpene. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on monoterpene
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monoterpene
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