brownout

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See also: brown out and brown-out

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Deverbal from brown out, by analogy with blackout.

Noun

brownout (plural brownouts)

  1. A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.
    Synonym: dimout
    When demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, a brownout occurs.
  2. Temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.
    Synonyms: grayout, greyout
    On rising suddenly from her chair she experienced a brownout and had to sit down again quickly.
  3. 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.
  4. A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night
  5. (Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong) A blackout, regardless of time of day.
    • 1991, Philippine Smile:
      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.

Usage notes

  • A rolling brownout describes a deliberate reduction in voltage (for sense 1) or of firefighting (for sense 3) in multiple service areas at staggered times.

Coordinate terms

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Further reading