heptane Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a colorless volatile highly flammable liquid obtained from petroleum and used as an anesthetic or a solvent or in determining octane ratings

WordNet

Hep"tane noun
Etymology
Gr. "epta` seven.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) Any one of several isometric hydrocarbons, C7H16, of the paraffin series (nine are possible, four are known); -- so called because the molecule has seven carbon atoms. Specifically, a colorless liquid, found as a constituent of petroleum, in the tar oil of cannel coal, etc.

Webster 1913