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

Salinas said, cannabis contains terpenes, as do other plants, and these chemical compounds impact the aroma and taste but also provide different effects on users. —Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025

While cannabis does contain hundreds of chemical compounds—including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—the exact number fluctuates depending on the strain and growing conditions. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

But previous research by Jung and her colleagues revealed that flame-free candles, or wax melts, release more terpenes than candles with flames. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

By matching strains with food or drink that share similar terpenes, the pairing elevates both the cannabis experience and the meal. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025

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