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

Mangoes are rich in myrcene, a terpene also found in cannabis. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 June 2025

But the latest wave of excitement isn’t about exotic terpenes, 40% THC flower or moon rocks with a new twist. —Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

By comparison, there were no significant terpene emissions when unscented wax melts were heated. —New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025

Photograph: Getty Images Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) Marketed as brain food, lion’s mane is rich in terpenes like hericenones and erinacines that boost the production of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein vital for the maintenance and regeneration of neurons. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 28 May 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