either of two isomeric terpenes, found in many essential oils and constituting the main part of oil of turpentine. The commonest structural isomer (α-pinene) is used in the manufacture of camphor, solvents, plastics, and insecticides. Formula: C10H16
Word origin
C20: from pine1 + -ene
pinene in American English
(ˈpaɪˌnin)
noun
either of two isomeric terpenes, C10H16, occurring in oil of turpentine and other essential oils: used as a solvent, in synthetic resins, etc.