I. ˈtərpəˌnȯid adjective
Etymology: terpene + -oid
: resembling a terpene in molecular structure
II. noun
( -s )
: any of a class of compounds that are characterized by an isoprenoid structure like that of the terpene hydocarbons and that often include these hydrocarbons as well as oxygenated derivatives (as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, or acids) and hydrogenated derivatives (as menthane) — compare carotenoid , steroid , terpene 2