antiknock

American  

[an-tee-nok, an-tahy-, an-tee-nok, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈnɒk, ˌæn taɪ-, ˈæn tiˌnɒk, ˈæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a substance, as tetraethyllead or ferrocene, used as a fuel additive for an internal-combustion engine to eliminate or minimize knock.

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noun

1. such a substance added to fuel in an internal-combustion engine.

antiknock British  

/ ˌæntɪˈnɒk /

noun

1. a compound, such as lead tetraethyl, added to petrol to reduce knocking in the engine

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Etymology

Origin of antiknock

First recorded in 1920–25; anti- + knock

Example Sentences

The new fuel can be used in any car with a low-compression engine not requiring the antiknock properties of leaded gas.

From Time Magazine Archive

The other was Dr. Thomas Midgley Jr., president-elect of the Society, pioneer in the development of antiknock gasoline, and vice president of Ethyl Gasoline Corp.

From Time Magazine Archive

The more and more powerful engines required gasolines with higher octane ratings, which is a measure of antiknock properties.

From Time Magazine Archive

Near Wilmington, N. C., on the Atlantic Ocean, a big plant extracts bromine from the sea, manufactures ethylene dibromide for use in antiknock gasolines.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1962, with his two sons, Gottwald bought Ethyl Corp., the world's largest producer of lead antiknock compounds for gasoline.

From Time Magazine Archive