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 numberExamples of octane number in a Sentence
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Octane number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octane%20number. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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