dead time

noun

1. downtime.

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

dead time

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead time¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The finding raises new questions about what happened in the hours before seventh-grader Oscar Omar Hernandez, known as Omar, was found dead — time allegedly spent with his soccer coach, a man previously accused of sexually abusing a teen.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Republicans in the state legislature purposefully scheduled the vote for August—a notoriously dead time for civic engagement—in hopes of a low voter turnout.

From Slate

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