terpene

noun

ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn How to pronounce terpene (audio)
: 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 adjective
terpenoid
ˈtər-pə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce terpene (audio)
ˌtər-ˈpē-
adjective or noun

Examples of terpene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cannabis Tastings at Lounges Cannabis tasting is like wine tasting but with terpene profiles instead of tannins. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025 Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD tinctures contain either all or most of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, along with terpenes and flavonoids. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Conversely, using essential oil diffusers or peeling citrus fruits caused a more gradual increase in terpenes. New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025 The pearls, which heat up as smokers prepare to hit a dab, are said to help extract the flavor of the terpenes, Brooks said. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terpene

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of terpene was circa 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terpene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terpene. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

terpene

noun
ter·​pene ˈtər-ˌpēn How to pronounce terpene (audio)
: 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 adjective
terpenic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on terpene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!