: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C10H16 found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis
broadly
: any of numerous hydrocarbons (C5H8)n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams
Examples of terpene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scented products have released volatile organic compounds and terpenes — chemicals responsible for everything from aromatic essential oils to the skunk-like smell of marijuana.
—
Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Mangoes are rich in myrcene, a terpene also found in cannabis.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
But the latest wave of excitement isn’t about exotic terpenes, 40% THC flower or moon rocks with a new twist.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
By comparison, there were no significant terpene emissions when unscented wax melts were heated.
—New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terpene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Mangoes are rich in myrcene, a terpene also found in cannabis.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
But the latest wave of excitement isn’t about exotic terpenes, 40% THC flower or moon rocks with a new twist.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
By comparison, there were no significant terpene emissions when unscented wax melts were heated.
—New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terpene
Cite this Entry
“Terpene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terpene. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
terpene
noun
ter·pene
ˈtər-ˌpēn 
: any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C10H16 found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis
broadly
: any of numerous hydrocarbons (C5H8)n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share