oc·tane

[ok-teyn]
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.

Origin:
1870–75; oct- + -ane

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
octane (ˈɒkteɪn) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
See also isooctane a liquid alkane hydrocarbon found in petroleum and existing in 18 isomeric forms, esp the isomer n-octane. Formula: C8H18

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Octane is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

octane
hydrocarbon of the methane series, 1872, coined from octo- (from Gk. okto "eight;" see eight) + -ane, as in methane; so called because it has eight carbon atoms. A fuel's octane rating, in ref. to its anti-knocking quality, is attested from 1932.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
octane   (ŏk'tān')  Pronunciation Key 
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: C8H18.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Example sentences
His end was not an incandescent rock-and-roll martyrdom: there was no
  motorcycle crash or high-octane overdose.
If your car is made to run on regular, you're wasting money buying
  higher-octane gas.
But the science behind high-octane sweets is anything but fanciful.
Fueled by high-octane growth, the world's largest democracy is becoming a
  global power.
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