a liquid terpene, C40H16, occurring in two optically different forms, the dextrorotatory form being present in the essential oils of lemon, orange, etc., and the levorotatory form in Douglas fir needle oil.
lim·o·nene (lĭm'ə-nēn') n. A liquid, C10H16, with a characteristic lemonlike fragrance, used as a solvent, wetting agent, and dispersing agent and in the manufacture of resins.
[French limonène, from limon, lemon (obsolete), from Old French; see lemon.]
Main Entry: lim·o·nene Pronunciation: 'lim-&-"nEn Function: noun : a liquid terpene hydrocarbon C10H16 that has anodor like a lemon, exists in dextrorotatory, levorotatory, and racemic forms, and occurs in many essential oils —compare DIPENTENE
a colourless liquid abundant in the essential oils of pine and citrus trees and used as a lemonlike odorant in industrial and household products and as a chemical intermediate.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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