What does terpene mean?
A terpene is a hydrocarbon compound whose structure is based on isoprene units, a feature that gives many terpenes their characteristic odours and flavours. They occur widely in plants and animals and are found in substances such as pine resin, citrus peel, herbs, spices, and essential oils. Limonene, for example, is a terpene associated with the smell of citrus, while other terpenes contribute to the aromas of conifers and many herbs. In scientific and commercial contexts, “terpene” has a precise chemical meaning and is related to, but not identical with, “terpenoid,” which covers modified derivatives. The term is also familiar in discussions of cannabis, where it may refer to the aromatic compounds associated with particular strains or products. For general readers, terpenes are best understood as the chemical family responsible for many distinctive natural smells and tastes.
nounA terpene is a hydrocarbon compound whose carbon skeleton is derived from isoprene units. Many terpenes occur naturally in plants and animals and contribute to characteristic scents, flavours, and colours.
- Any of a large class of hydrocarbon compounds, many occurring naturally in plants and animals and responsible for characteristic scents, flavours, and colours.
"The pine resin releases terpenes that give the forest its distinctive aromatic smell."
"Citrus peel contains terpenes such as limonene that give the fruit its distinctive aroma."
"Chemists studied the terpene mixture released by the newly planted trees."
“Terpenes” is the standard plural and is common when referring to terpene compounds collectively or to several individual compounds.
"The essential oil contains terpenes that contribute to its distinctive aroma."
Terpenes are the aromatic molecules behind the scent of pine, the flavor of citrus, and much of the fragrance in everyday life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does terpene come from?
The word entered English in the 19th century from French terpène. French borrowed it from Latin terebinthina, a term associated with terebinth resin and ultimately connected with Greek terebinthinos, meaning “of or relating to the terebinth tree.” The same root also underlies turpentine and other words connected with terebinth resin.
Related word forms
How terpene is actually used
The word is most common in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and the description of natural products. In general usage, it is often used in the plural because many familiar aromatic compounds are terpenes.
Easily confused with terpene
A terpene is a hydrocarbon, whereas a terpenoid is a chemically modified derivative of a terpene that commonly contains additional functional groups such as oxygen.