triterpene
|tri-ter-pene|
🇺🇸
/traɪˈtɜːrpiːn/
🇬🇧
/traɪˈtɜːpiːn/
six isoprene unit terpene
Etymology
'triterpene' originates from 'International Scientific Vocabulary', specifically from 'tri-' meaning 'three' and 'terpene', where 'terpene' refers to a class of hydrocarbons derived from isoprene units.
'triterpene' was formed in the early 20th century by combining the prefix 'tri-' (three) with 'terpene', indicating a molecule with three times the basic terpene unit (i.e., six isoprene units).
Initially, it meant 'a terpene with three times the base unit', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern scientific usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of a class of terpenes consisting of six isoprene units and having the molecular formula C30H48, found in plants and animals and often serving as precursors to steroids.
Triterpenes are commonly found in the waxy coatings of some fruits.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/06 10:43