Definitions

1. noun

A type of naturally occurring diterpenoid found in plant residues and petroleum; a tricyclic diterpenoid derived from phytol.

“Researchers found that the phytane content in the ancient plant residue provided valuable insights into the region’s paleoclimate.”

2. noun

A hydrocarbon consisting of a tricyclic diterpenoid derived from phytol, used as a biomarker in geochemistry and paleoclimatology.

“The presence of phytane in the sediment samples was a crucial indicator of the region’s past environmental conditions.”