dead time

American  

noun

1. downtime.

2. Electronics. an interval during which an actuating signal produces no response.

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dead time British  

noun

1. electronics the interval of time immediately following a stimulus, during which an electrical device, component, etc, is insensitive to a further stimulus

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Etymology

Origin of dead time

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“There’s a lot of dead time where submarines are just waiting because the right people and the material are not in the right place at the right time to start the job when they were supposed to start the job.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Like you probably do, I productively fill the gaps that most people leave as dead time.

From Literature

“But it cuts down on the stress. The dead time is actually sitting behind the wheel. I can read, do some work or just relax on the bus. It’s more productive and less frustrating.”

From Los Angeles Times

The dog days of summer are also a historically dead time in Hollywood, when power brokers take lengthy vacations and the pace of deal-making stalls.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s cut out a lot of dead time, there’s not a lot of waiting around, it’s what fans say they want,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times