cetane

noun

ce·tane ˈsē-ˌtān

: 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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cetane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cetane. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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