An "octet" refers to a group or set of eight items. This term is commonly used in various fields, including music, where an octet can describe a composition for eight instruments or voices. In computer science, an octet often refers to a byte, which consists of eight bits and is a fundamental unit of data storage. In the context of chemistry, an octet rule explains how atoms tend to bond in a way that results in eight electrons in their outer shell, achieving stability. This principle is crucial for understanding the behavior of elements like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in forming compounds.