What does linalool mean?
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol, a type of organic compound found in many flowering plants. It is particularly abundant in lavender and also occurs in herbs, spices, flowers, and trees. Its sweet, floral aroma makes it an important ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and some flavourings, while researchers also study its biological and environmental effects. Chemically, linalool is an acyclic monoterpene with the molecular formula C10H18O and can exist in different stereoisomeric forms whose odours vary. Although usually encountered in specialised scientific, commercial, or ingredient-list contexts, linalool is the compound doing much of the aromatic work associated with lavender. It can also occur in cannabis and other plants, making it a familiar name to readers interested in terpenes, fragrance chemistry, or plant volatiles.
nounA naturally occurring terpene alcohol with a floral aroma, found in many plants and used in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavourings. Chemically, it is an acyclic monoterpene with the formula C10H18O.
- A terpene alcohol occurring naturally in plants and widely used for its floral aroma in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and flavourings.
"The lavender oil was rich in linalool, the compound responsible for much of its sweet, floral aroma."
"Linalool is abundant in lavender oil and contributes a sweet, floral character to many perfumes."
"The scientist measured the amount of linalool released by the freshly crushed herbs."
Rare plural, used especially when referring to distinct stereoisomeric forms or individual samples; linalool is normally treated as a mass noun.
"The researchers separated the linalools into their two enantiomeric forms."
One molecule gives lavender much of its signature floral lift—and the same compound also occurs in basil, coriander, and cannabis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does linalool come from?
The name linalool was formed from linaloe, the name of the tree associated with the oil from which the compound was obtained, together with the chemical suffix -ol, indicating an alcohol. The term reflects the compound's early connection with linaloe oil, although linalool later became known from its much wider occurrence in plants. Related chemical names such as French linalol and Italian linalolo reflect the international adoption and linguistic adaptation of the substance.
How linalool is actually used
Linalool is primarily a technical term used in chemistry, perfumery, botany, and food science. In consumer products, it may appear in ingredient lists or as part of discussions of fragrance allergens. As a chemical substance, it is normally treated as a mass noun.
Easily confused with linalool
Linalool is a floral-smelling terpene alcohol, whereas linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in vegetable oils and some seeds.