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limonene

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /lɪˈmoʊniːn/

KK: /lɪˈmoʊniːn/

noun
Definition

A clear liquid that has a lemon-like smell and is found in the oils of citrus fruits. It is used in products like solvents and resins.


Example

Limonene is often used in cleaning products because of its pleasant scent.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of limonene?
Sloth B
Yeah, isn't it that compound that gives lemons their smell?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's also used in some cleaning products for that fresh scent.
Sloth B
That's cool! I love when things smell like citrus.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
terpene
solvent
hydrocarbon
Antonyms
toxin
pollutant
contaminant
Root Explanation

Limonene is derived from 'limon' (from French 'limon', meaning lemon) and the suffix '-ene' (indicating a type of hydrocarbon). The word refers to a hydrocarbon compound found in the oil of citrus fruits, particularly lemons.

Memory Tip

Think of 'limon' as relating to lemons, and remember that 'limonene' is a compound found in lemon oil.

Visually Confused Words
linene
monaene
levolimonene
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