isoprene

noun

iso·​prene ˈī-sə-ˌprēn How to pronounce isoprene (audio)
: a flammable liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C5H8 used especially in synthetic rubber

Examples of isoprene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Trees emit natural volatiles like isoprene and monoterpenes, which can spark cloud-forming chemical reactions. WIRED, 29 Sep. 2023 As for the isoprene, this is believed to be released by muscle activity - perhaps the isoprene peaks reflects people moving or 'fidgeting' in tension. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2016 The mountains get their distinctive dark blue hue from the presence of the chemical isoprene found in many regional plants. Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2022 Ozone alters the biogenic volatile organic compounds that are emitted by plants, everything from isoprene to terpenes. Jim Robbins, Wired, 16 Oct. 2021 Trees in the facility that produce a chemical called isoprene, which seems to help plants photosynthesize at high temperatures, survived better than those that don’t—a shift whose full implications are still being worked out. Gabriel Popkin, National Geographic, 19 Nov. 2020 The scientists detected chemicals contained in our breath as well, including acetone and isoprene, plus compounds that are produced when ozone reacts with the oil on our skin. Emily Anthes, Scientific American, 1 June 2020 Rubber is also considered plastic, both natural (isoprene) and synthetic (styrene butadiene). Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2019 In 2017, for instance, researchers led by the University of Minnesota found a way to produce isoprene, a key ingredient in synthetic rubber, out of natural sources such as grass, trees and corn instead of fossil fuels. Hannah Whitaker, National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isoprene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from is- + propyl + -ene

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isoprene was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near isoprene

Cite this Entry

“Isoprene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isoprene. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

isoprene

noun
iso·​prene ˈī-sə-ˌprēn How to pronounce isoprene (audio)
: a compound used especially in making synthetic rubber

Medical Definition

isoprene

noun
iso·​prene ˈī-sə-ˌprēn How to pronounce isoprene (audio)
: a flammable liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C5H8 used especially in synthetic rubber

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