heptane

noun

hep·​tane ˈhep-ˌtān How to pronounce heptane (audio)
: any of several isomeric alkanes C7H16
especially : the liquid normal isomer occurring in petroleum and used especially as a solvent and in determining octane numbers

Examples of heptane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gorbett lights a pan of flammable heptane under an end table and then quickly exits the room. Douglas Starr, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heptane was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near heptane

Cite this Entry

“Heptane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heptane. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on heptane

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!