Definition

A type of alcohol that comes in three forms and is found in the essential oils of some plants. It is often used in making perfumes, soaps, and medicines.

Example

The perfume contained terpineol, giving it a pleasant floral scent.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of terpineol?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a fragrant compound found in some essential oils and used in perfumes.

That sounds interesting! I love learning about natural ingredients.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Terpineol is derived from 'terpene' (from the Greek 'terpenein', meaning to be pleasant) and the suffix '-ol' (used in chemistry to denote alcohols). The word refers to a type of alcohol derived from terpenes, which are compounds known for their pleasant scents.

Memory Tip

Think of 'terpene' meaning something 'pleasant' and '-ol' indicating an alcohol, which helps you remember that terpineol is a pleasant-smelling alcohol.

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