octane
/ˈɒkteɪn/
Definition
A measurement of a fuel's ability to resist 'knocking' or 'pinging' during combustion, with higher ratings indicating more stable and efficient engine performance.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'oktō' (eight), referring to the eight carbon atoms in the molecule, combined with the chemical suffix '-ane' used for saturated hydrocarbons. It entered English in the late 19th century as a technical term for organic chemistry.
In the news
The article mentions that adding ethanol to petrol improves octane ratings, which helps promote cleaner and more efficient engine combustion. This quality is highlighted as one of the environmental and technical benefits of blending biofuels.
E20 debate reveals India’s uneven energy transition trade-offs
Read the full article ↗Eco-Business