noun
- a class of organic compounds derived from two isoprene units, commonly found in essential oils of plants
Usage: chemistry; botany
Examples
- Monoterpenes give citrus fruits their distinctive fragrance.
- Limonene is one of the most common monoterpenes found in nature.
- Essential oils rich in monoterpenes are used in aromatherapy.
- Pine trees produce monoterpenes that contribute to their characteristic scent.
- Many monoterpenes have antimicrobial properties.
- The laboratory analyzed the plant extract for various monoterpenes.