Definition

A type of fuel specifically made for use in aircraft with piston engines.

Example

The pilot filled the plane's tank with avgas before the flight.

Conversation

Did you know that avgas is used in small airplanes?

Yeah, I heard it's specifically formulated for piston engines.

Exactly! It's quite different from regular gasoline.

I can see why it would need to be specially made for aviation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Avgas is a term derived from the combination of 'aviation' (from Latin 'avis', meaning bird) and 'gasoline' (from the word 'gas', which has uncertain origins but is related to the term 'gas' in chemistry). It refers specifically to aviation fuel used in aircraft engines.

Memory Tip

Think of 'aviation' as relating to 'birds' and 'gasoline' as a type of fuel — avgas is the fuel specifically for flying, just like birds need energy to soar.

Visually Confused Words