terpene

/ˈtɜːrpiːn/ /ˈtɜːrpən/

Meanings

noun

A very large class of naturally occurring and synthetic organic compounds formally derived from the hydrocarbon isoprene; they include many volatile compounds used in perfume and food flavours, turpentine, the steroids, the carotene pigments and rubber.

Examples :

"The pleasant smell of oranges is due to a specific terpene found in their peel. "

Related Words

hydrocarbon noun

/ˈhaɪdroʊˌkɑːrbən/ /ˈhaɪdrəˌkɑːrbən/

A compound consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

"Gasoline is a hydrocarbon fuel used in many cars. "

naturally adverb

/ˈnætʃ(ə)ɹəli/

In a natural manner.

"Although he was unused to the situation, he tried to act naturally."

turpentine noun

/ˈtɜː.pən.ˌtaɪn/

A volatile essential oil obtained from the wood of pine trees by steam distillation; it is a complex mixture of monoterpenes; it is used as a solvent and paint thinner.

"The artist used turpentine to clean her paintbrushes after finishing her landscape painting. "

occurring verb

/əˈkɜːɹɪŋ/ /əˈkɝɪŋ/

To happen or take place.

"The liftoff will occur in exactly twelve seconds."

volatile noun

/ˈvɒl.əˌtaɪ.(ə)l/ /ˈvɑl.ə.tl̩/

A chemical or compound that changes into a gas easily.

"The volatile quickly evaporated from the science experiment. "

steroids noun

/ˈstɪərɔɪdz/ /ˈstɛrɔɪdz/

A class of organic compounds having a structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings; they are lipids, and occur naturally as sterols, bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, and some vitamins; many drugs are synthetic steroids.

"Doctors sometimes prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and help patients breathe more easily. "

isoprene noun

/ˈaɪsə(ʊ)pɹiːn/ /ˈaɪsəˌpɹin/

An unsaturated hydrocarbon, C5H8, that is readily polymerized; natural rubber (caoutchouc) is cis-1,4-polyisoprene, and trans-1,4-polyisoprene is present in gutta-percha and balata; it is the structural basis for the terpenes.

"Natural rubber is made up of many linked isoprene molecules. "

synthetic noun

/sɪnˈθɛtɪk/

A synthetic compound.

"The scientist studied the properties of the synthetic fiber. "

flavours noun

/ˈfleɪvərz/ /ˈfleɪvəz/

The quality produced by the sensation of taste or, especially, of taste and smell in combined effect.

"The flavor of this apple pie is delicious."

formally adverb

/ˈfɔːməli/ /ˈfɔɹməli/

In a formal manner.

"He was dressed too formally for the occasion."

carotene noun

/ˈkærətiːn/ /ˈkerətiːn/

A class of tetraterpene plant pigments; they vary in colour from yellow, through orange to red, this colour originating in a chain of alternating single and double bonds.

"The vibrant orange color of carrots comes from carotene, a pigment also found in sweet potatoes and pumpkins. "

compounds noun

/ˈkɑmpaʊndz/ /kəmˈpaʊndz/

An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined

""During the war, the refugees lived in guarded compounds for their safety." "