octane number

noun

Definition of octane number

: 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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about octane number

Dictionary Entries near octane number

Statistics for octane number

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for octane number

The first known use of octane number was in 1931

See more words from the same year

Comments on octane number

What made you want to look up octane number? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

linchpin

one that holds something together

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games