low-octane

English

Adjective

low-octane (comparative lower-octane, superlative lowest-octane)

1. (of fuel) Having a low octane number.

   Antonym: high-octane

   • 2004, Elisabeth H. Dorries, TechOne: Automotive Engine Repair, Cengage Learning, →ISBN, page 58:

     Low-octane fuel can be a cause of preignition and detonation. If combustion begins before the spark, for example, combustion pressures may try to push the piston backwards at the end of the compression stroke.

2. (by extension) Slow; weak.

   Antonym: high-octane

   • 2013 July 4, Andrew Pulver, “Paris-Manhattan – review”, in The Guardian‎^[1]:

     A low-octane French attempt to channel the spirit of Play It Again Sam. Alice Taglioni is a single thirtysomething holding out for Mr Right, while looking to a Woody Allen poster for advice.