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high-octane

/ˈhaɪ ˈɑkteɪn/
IPA guide

Use the adjective high-octane for fuel that's resistant to abnormal combustion in an engine. You can also use it to describe anything particularly intense or high-energy, like your dad's high-octane coffee that wakes him up in the morning.

Different kinds of gasoline have different octane ratings. The higher the number, the better the fuel withstands being compressed inside an engine without auto-igniting prematurely and causing a damaging metallic "knocking." High-octane fuel isn't inherently cleaner or more powerful — but it is required for certain high-performance cars to run smoothly. Figuratively, high-octane has come to mean "high-energy" or "thrilling." A high-octane football game is exciting to watch, and a high-octane movie will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Definitions of high-octane
  1. adjective
    describing fuel with high resistance to unwanted or premature ignition under compression, allowing certain high-performance engines to run as intended
    synonyms:
    efficient
    being effective without wasting time or effort or expense
  2. adjective
    very energetic, powerful, or exciting
    “a high-octane sales manager”
    “a high-octane marketing plan”
    dynamic, dynamical
    characterized by action or forcefulness or force of personality
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