brownout

brown·out

B0510000 (broun′out′)n. A reduction or cutback in electric power, especially as a result of a shortage, a mechanical failure, or overuse by consumers.

[brown + (black)out.]

brownout

(ˈbraʊnˌaʊt) n1. (Electrical Engineering) a dimming or reduction in the use of electric lights in a city, esp to conserve electric power or as a defensive precaution in wartime2. (Electrical Engineering) a temporary reduction in electrical power. Compare blackout³3. (Computer Science) a temporary slowing down of the workings of the internet caused when too many users attempt to access it at the same time

brown•out

(ˈbraʊnˌaʊt)

n. any curtailment of electric power, esp. a voltage reduction to prevent a blackout. [1940–45]

Thesaurus

Noun

brownout - darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft)dimout, blackoutaircraft - a vehicle that can flydark, darkness - absence of light or illumination

brownout

[′brau̇n‚au̇t] (electricity) A restriction of electrical power usage during a power shortage, especially for advertising and display purposes. An extinguishing of some of the lights in a city as a defensive measure against enemy bombardment.

brownout

1. To complete the application of a base-coat plaster. 2. The setting of base-coat plaster, which darkens, or browns, as it sets. 3. The dimming of lights as a consequence of a reduction of voltage furnished to a section of a city (or an entire city) by the electrical utility.

brownout

A lowering of AC power voltage for some period of time. Brownouts can be very harmful to electronic equipment if sustained for long periods. Brownouts can cause flickering or a dimming on screen, and the computer may experience intermittent problems as a result. See blackout.

brownout

Informatics
A slowdown or lapse in the processing of information on an intranet or the Web, which is linked to software errors, excessive traffic on transmission lines and overload or frank failure of Web servers.

Medspeak
See Physician brownout.
Public health
The intentional drop in voltage supplied by a power company to a regional electrical grid imposed to prevent a blackout, which may result in flickering of lights and other electrical devices. Most hospitals have backup power supplies that automatically start up when power is lost.

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Synonyms for brownout

noun darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft)

Synonyms

Related Words