octan, a.
(ˈɒktən)
[a. F. octane, in Paré, 16th c., octaine, ad. L. octānus, found only in sense ‘of the 8th legion’, but cf. quartan, quintan.]
octan fever: a fever in which the paroxysms occur every eighth day (both paroxysmal days being counted).
| 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. II. 318 Further modifications have been recognised by nosologists as quintan, sextan, octan. |