octane

[ ok-teyn ]
/ ˈɒk teɪn /

noun Chemistry.

any of 18 isomeric saturated hydrocarbons having the formula C8H18, some of which are obtained in the distillation and cracking of petroleum.

Origin of octane

First recorded in 1870–75; oct- + -ane

Example sentences from the Web for octane

British Dictionary definitions for octane

octane
/ (ˈɒkteɪn) /

noun

a liquid alkane hydrocarbon found in petroleum and existing in 18 isomeric forms, esp the isomer n -octane. Formula: C 8 H 18 See also isooctane

Scientific definitions for octane

octane
[ ŏktān′ ]

Any of several hydrocarbons having eight carbon atoms connected by single bonds. It is commonly added to gasoline to prevent knocking from uneven burning of fuel in internal-combustion engines. Octane is the eighth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C8H18.