limonene
noun
lim·o·nene
ˈli-mə-ˌnēn 
: a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C10H16 that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor
Examples of limonene in a Sentence
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It’s made with beeswax, avocado oil, vitamin E, and limonene.
—
Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
An orange peel has less than 1.2% of the compound limonene, which does repel bugs, while essential oil is more than 90% limonene.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
For instance, the terpene limonene, known for its citrus scent, can be found in perfumes and candles, offering a refreshing and uplifting aroma.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some of the chemicals responsible for these smells, such as limonene, are the very VOCs that groups including EWG have identified as potentially problematic.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for limonene
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Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
An orange peel has less than 1.2% of the compound limonene, which does repel bugs, while essential oil is more than 90% limonene.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
For instance, the terpene limonene, known for its citrus scent, can be found in perfumes and candles, offering a refreshing and uplifting aroma.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some of the chemicals responsible for these smells, such as limonene, are the very VOCs that groups including EWG have identified as potentially problematic.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for limonene
Cite this Entry
“Limonene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limonene. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
limonene
noun
lim·o·nene
ˈlim-ə-ˌnēn
: a liquid terpene hydrocarbon C10H16 that has an odor like a lemon, exists in dextrorotatory, levorotatory, and racemic forms, and occurs in many essential oils compare dipentene
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