brownout
nounEtymology A deverbal from brown out, by analogy with blackout.
Business, Electrical engineering, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Energy, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.
- When demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, a brownout occurs.
- The ancient elevator begins its descent. ... Its motor whines, its cables grind, but between the tenth and ninth stories a gatta-gatta-gatta detonates then dies with a phzzz-zzz-zz-z. ... Luisa manages a smile, just. “We might be here some time. Last month’s brownout lasted seven hours.” Well, at least I’m not confined with a psychopath, a claustrophobe, or Richard Ganga.2004, David Mitchell, “Half-Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery”, in Cloud Atlas, →ISBN, pages 91-92:
A temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.
- On rising suddenly from her chair she experienced a brownout and had to sit down again quickly.
Firefighting, Government A temporary closing of a fire station, usually due to budget restrictions.
- Fire departments across the country have been forced to rely on rolling brownouts because of the recession.
A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night.
Figuratively, Uncommon A moment or period where something is weakened, diminished or less effective.
Australia, Hong Kong, Philippines A blackout, regardless of time of day.
- Remember that you can't send or receive a fax if there is a brownout. ... Due to blackouts (the Philippine term is brownout), especially during the dry season, be prepared with a flashlight and don't forget to save your data in your PC.1991, Philippine Smile:
- Derived terms
- rolling brownout
- Related terms
- whiteout
- Coordinate terms
- blackout