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antiknock

antiknock

1 9.3
A chemical added to gasoline to stop engine knocking
  • noun
  • /ˌæntiˈnɑk/
  • Specialized
: anticl knock
  • Many drivers prefer antiknock gasoline for better performance.

Examples

  • Using antiknock compounds improved both mileage and engine longevity.

  • The fuel contains a high level of antiknock agents.

  • The introduction of tetraethyl lead was once a common antiknock solution.

  • This fuel contains an antiknock additive, which helps engines run more smoothly.

  • The new gasoline formulation includes an antiknock compound to improve engine performance.

  • High-octane fuels often have better antiknock properties, which reduce engine knocking.

  • Many car manufacturers recommend using fuel with an appropriate antiknock rating for optimal engine efficiency.

Synonyms

tetraethyl lead
vsantiknock
  • Archaic
1 9.4

A clear oily poison once added to petrol or gasoline to stop engine knocking

is a general class of additives used to reduce engine knocking
lead tetraethyl
vsantiknock
  • Archaic
9.9

A clear oily poisonous liquid once added to gasoline to reduce engine knocking

is a general class of additives used to reduce engine knocking

Antonyms

37 2.2

A sharp repeated sound from a door or machine when parts hit each other

Surface Forms

antiknock singular
antiknocks plural

Morphology

antiknock = knock (transparent) = anti + knock

The meaning is directly compositional: something that works against engine knock.

Etymology

Antiknock comes from anti- ('against') and knock ('the sharp knocking sound an engine can make'). It names a chemical added to gasoline to work 'against' that knocking so engines run more smoothly.