Octane (noun)

A hydrocarbon of the alkane series with the molecular formula C8H18; a colorless, flammable liquid that is used as a fuel and a solvent.

Origin:

From the latin word octānus, from the greek word oktános, meaning "eight", because octane has eight carbon atoms.

Examples:

1. The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion, caused by the air/fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine.
2. The octane number of a fuel is the measure of a fuel"s ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion.
3. The octane number of a fuel is the measure of the fuel's ability to resist self-ignition.
4. The octane number of a fuel is a measure of the fuel's ability to resist self-ignition.
5. Octane is a hydrocarbon and an alkane with the chemical formula C8H18.