terpinene

9.9

A substance in some plant oils that gives them a smell

noun
/ˈtɜr.pɪ.niːn/

Specialized

: terpineno

Some essential oils owe their distinctive scent to terpinene compounds.

Examples

α-Terpinene is the most common type of terpinene found in tea tree oil.
The essential oil contained high levels of terpinene.
Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of several terpinene isomers in the extract.
Many people use terpinene for its aromatic properties.
Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of several terpinene isomers in the extract.
Some essential oils owe their distinctive scent to terpinene compounds.
α-Terpinene is the most common type of terpinene found in tea tree oil.

Compounds

beta-terpinene

Specialized

9.9

A chemical made of carbon and hydrogen that is made in a lab and not found in nature

alpha-Terpinene

Specialized

9.9

A natural chemical from some plant oils that people use to give perfume or flavor

gamma-terpinene

Specialized

9.9

A natural chemical in the oils of plants like lemon or oregano

Surface Forms

terpinene singular

terpinenes plural

Etymology

Terpinene comes from turpentine, the strong-smelling 'tree oil' taken from certain trees, plus the chemical ending -ene, which marks a type of chemical. So terpinene are the oily parts of plants and essential oils that give many plants their smell.