Definition of "limonene" [limonene]

• A liquid, C10H16, with a characteristic lemonlike fragrance, used as a solvent, wetting agent, and dispersing agent and in the manufacture of resins. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In addition to copious amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus oils contain limonene, which is said to increase the level of glutathione S-transferase, one of the most important Phase II conjugators."
• "This toxic reaction may be caused by a substance which is a chemical inhibitor to biogas bacteria called d-limonene, which is found in the peels of citrus fruits."
• "Insects hate limonene, which is the oil int he peel, and this is a great alternative to using commercial insecticides."