any one of a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as the carotenes, that are found in the essential oils of many plants. Their molecules contain isoprene units and have the general formula (C5H8)n
Derived forms
terpenic (terˈpenic)
adjective
Word origin
C19: terp- from obsolete terpentineturpentine + -ene
terpene in American English
(ˈtɜrˌpin)
noun
1.
any of a series of isomeric, unsaturated hydrocarbons of the general formula C10H16, found in resins, essential oils, etc.: they are used in perfumes, medicines, etc.
2.
any of various derivatives of the terpene hydrocarbons