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Glite Dictionary
🧪 Containing this chemical 🧪 A plant chemical
sesquiterpene

sesquiterpene

1 9.9
Relating to natural chemicals found in plants and essential oils
  • adjective
  • /ˌsɛs.kwɪˈtɜr.piːn/
  • Specialized
: sesquiterpeno
  • Scientists studied the sesquiterpene profile of the plant to understand its medicinal properties.

Examples

  • A sesquiterpene structure can influence the aroma and biological activity of natural products.

  • The essential oil contains a high concentration of sesquiterpene compounds.

  • The sesquiterpene compounds in this essential oil are known for their therapeutic properties.

  • Many plants produce sesquiterpene substances that attract pollinators.

  • The essential oil contains high concentrations of sesquiterpene compounds, which contribute to its distinctive aroma.

  • Many plants produce sesquiterpene metabolites that are known for their aromatic properties and potential health benefits.

  • In natural products chemistry, researchers study sesquiterpene derivatives for their roles in plant defense mechanisms.

Surface Forms

sesquiterpene positive

Morphology

sesquiterpene = terpene (opaque) = sesqui + terpene

Although the form is built from sesqui- + terpene, the term is a specialized chemical label that an average B1 learner would not be able to interpret from the parts.

Etymology

Sesquiterpene joins sesqui- meaning 'one and a half' and terpene, the same root as 'turpentine' (a tree oil). So calling something sesquiterpene means it contains those three-part terpene molecules that affect a plant's aroma and biological activity.