brownout

About 0.02 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.

   When demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, a brownout occurs.

2. noun 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.

3. noun 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.

4. noun A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night.
5. noun A moment or period where something is weakened, diminished or less effective.
6. noun A blackout, regardless of time of day.

Similar words

blackout dimout blankout emergency light lights-out power failure undervoltage lowlight downtime dark

Often followed by

or is on in conditions and a occurs protection

Word family

brownouts