Brownout

Alternative forms

• brown out, brown-out

Origin

brown + out

Full definition of brownout

Noun

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

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.

Synonyms

• grayout, greyout

Coordinate terms

• blackout