cetane

noun

ce·​tane ˈsē-ˌtān How to pronounce cetane (audio)
: a colorless oily hydrocarbon C16H34 found in petroleum

Word History

Etymology

from cetyl, the radical C16H33

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cetane was in 1871

Phrases Containing cetane

Rhymes for cetane

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Browse Nearby Words

cetacean
cetane
cetane number
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Cite this Entry

“Cetane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cetane. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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