brownout

American  

[broun-out] / ˈbraʊnˌaʊt /

noun

1. the elimination of some or reduction of all electric lights of a city, especially as a precaution against attack in time of war.

2. any curtailment of electric power, as by a severe storm.

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brownout British  

/ ˈbraʊnˌaʊt /

noun

1. a dimming or reduction in the use of electric lights in a city, esp to conserve electric power or as a defensive precaution in wartime

2. a temporary reduction in electrical power Compare blackout

3. a temporary slowing down of the workings of the internet caused when too many users attempt to access it at the same time

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brownout Cultural  

1. A situation in which the voltage in a power grid is reduced below its normal level but not entirely eliminated. (Compare blackout.)

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Usage

What does brownout mean? A brownout is like a blackout, just not as bad.Where an electrical blackout means a loss of electricity, a brownout is a reduction in power. In a brownout, electric devices might still work, but be dimmer, slower, or generally less powerful.If someone blacks out drunk, they can't remember what they did. If someone browns out they have some memories, but only hazy or patchy ones.

Discover More

This reduced voltage can result in damage to many electronic devices.

Etymology

Origin of brownout

1940–45; brown + out, on the model of blackout

Example Sentences

Yukelson also questioned whether the electrical grid can accommodate the additional load, saying that customers are already subjected to blackouts and brownouts during the summer.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s placed more demand on the grid, with occasional brownouts having been reported at some ports in the East and Gulf coasts, said the Waterfront Employers’ Vogel.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics say wind farm projects are expensive, damage the environment and make the electrical grid less stable and more prone to brownout and blackouts.

From Washington Times

That same year, a drought brought “brownouts” from starved hydroelectric plants.

From Seattle Times

“A question we get a lot, particularly from certain markets where people experience blackouts and brownouts and grid resiliency issues, is, ‘Is the grid ready for all these electric vehicles?’”

From New York Times

Related Words

• blackness
• dark
• dusk
• gloom
• night
• obscurity