brownout
/bɹˈaʊnˌaʊt/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: 1.77 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.
noun
A temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.
noun
A temporary closing of a fire station, usually due to budget restrictions.
noun
A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night.
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "On rising suddenly from her chair she experienced a brownout and had to sit down again quickly."
- "Fire departments across the country have been forced to rely on rolling brownouts because of the recession."
- "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."