octane

American  

[ok-teyn] / ˈɒk teɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of 18 isomeric saturated hydrocarbons having the formula C 8 H 1 8 , some of which are obtained in the distillation and cracking of petroleum.

2. octane number.

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octane British  

/ ˈɒkteɪn /

noun

1. 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

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octane Scientific  

/ ŏk′tān′ /

1. 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: C ₈ H ₁₈ .

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Etymology

Origin of octane

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

Example Sentences

“Fear, not actual production, is the ultimate octane booster in this game.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

Both teams have conceded just 26 goals so far in their 33 games, so while hopes are high of a high octane, high quality game it seems unlikely it'll be high scoring...

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2024

One of the year’s biggest blockbusters is the series “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and as the show entered its second season, the high octane action depicted in the series came at the animators expense.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2023

The three were performing preventative maintenance on the plant's Ultraformer-3, which converts naphtha produced in oil refining to reformate, an octane booster for gasoline.

From Reuters • May 17, 2023

Jessie set aside the octane gumdrop molecule she had started on and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser