black box

noun

1. any unit that forms part of an electronic circuit and that has its function, but not its components, specified.

2. any comparatively small, usually black, box containing a secret, mysterious, or complex mechanical or electronic device.

3. Aeronautics.,  an electronic device, such as a flight recorder, that can be removed from an aircraft as a single package.

4. Automotive.,  a device in an electronic ignition system that generates electrical pulses.

black box

noun

1. a self-contained unit in an electronic or computer system whose circuitry need not be known to understand its function

2. an informal name for flight recorder

black box

1. A crash-resistant steel container that holds instruments that record performance data in airplanes. The data are used to analyze the causes of accidents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black box¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The Vezhen's black box was analysed, several people were questioned, and video footage showing how the cable was broken was examined, the prosecution authority said.

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“The BOP is a black box,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For those not in the ACA market, including recipients of Medicare and Medicaid and families receiving coverage via their employers, the subsidies are a black box.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Many of them… had black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation.

Read more on Salon

The piece is a three-dimensional black box with a white dress made from bath towels and bedazzled gems displayed on a dress form mannequin inside.

Read more on Los Angeles Times