dimmer

American  

[dim-er] / ˈdɪm ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that dims.

2. Also called dimmer switch.  a rheostat or similar device by which the intensity of an electric light may be varied.

3. dimmers,

   1. the low-beam headlights of an automobile or truck.

   2. the small, parking lights of an automobile.

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dimmer British  

/ ˈdɪmə /

noun

1. a device, such as a rheostat, for varying the current through an electric light and thus changing the illumination

2. (often plural)

   1. a dipped headlight on a road vehicle

   2. a parking light on a car

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Etymology

Origin of dimmer

First recorded in 1815–25; dim + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A hush swept over the bank as Mr. Drysdale stepped inside, his eyes blinking a few moments as he adjusted to the dimmer gaslight of the bank’s ornate lobby.

From Literature

Clouds of electrons between the pulsar and Earth create patterns of brighter and dimmer signal strength across different radio frequencies.

From Science Daily

"Though the Sun was very slightly dimmer, levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide were much higher."

From Science Daily

These images allowed researchers to isolate the fading light of the supernova from the much dimmer glow of its host galaxy, a critical step in confirming the nature of the explosion.

From Science Daily

On social media, where the gathering has exploded, it looks like a multigenerational nightclub that could use dimmer lighting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blurred
• cloudy
• dark
• dingy
• dull
• faint
• fuzzy
• gloomy
• lackluster
• murky
• shadowy
• vague