octane number

noun

: a number that is used to measure the antiknock properties of a liquid motor fuel (such as gasoline) with a higher number indicating a smaller likelihood of knocking

called also octane rating

compare cetane number

Examples of octane number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The higher the octane number, the more stable the fuel. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 22 Mar. 2022 Fueling requires unleaded pump octane number (PON) 86 or higher. Joe Michaud, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of octane number was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near octane number

Cite this Entry

“Octane number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octane%20number. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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