TERPENE

[ter.pene] n [ISV terp- (fr. G Terpentin turpentine, fr. ML terbentina) + -ene--more at turpentine] (1873): any of various isomeric hydrocarbons found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used esp. as solvents and in organic synthesis; broadly: any of numerous hydrocarbons found esp. in essential oils, resins, and balsams -- ter.pene.less adj -- ter.pe.noid adj or n