cetane number

noun

: a measure of the ignition value of a diesel fuel that represents the percentage by volume of cetane in a mixture of liquid methylnaphthalene that gives the same ignition lag as the oil being tested

called also cetane rating

compare octane number

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cetane number was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near cetane number

Cite this Entry

“Cetane number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cetane%20number. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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