brownout

plural brownouts · alternative brown out · alternative brown-out

1. businessA period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.

   When demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, a brownout occurs.

   1 more example

   The ancient elevator begins its descent. ... Its motor whines, its cables grind, but between the tenth and ninth stories a gatta-gatta-gatta detonates then dies with a phzzz-zzz-zz-z. ... Luisa manages a smile, just. “We might be here some time. Last month’s brownout lasted seven hours.” Well, at least I’m not confined with a psychopath, a claustrophobe, or Richard Ganga.

   2004, David Mitchell, “Half-Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery”, in Cloud Atlas, →ISBN, pages 91-92

   Synonyms: dimout

2. A temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.

   On rising suddenly from her chair she experienced a brownout and had to sit down again quickly.

   Synonyms: grayout, greyout

3. firefightingA temporary closing of a fire station, usually due to budget restrictions.

   Fire departments across the country have been forced to rely on rolling brownouts because of the recession.

4. A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night.
5. figurativelyuncommonA moment or period where something is weakened, diminished or less effective.
6. AustraliaHong KongPhilippinesA blackout, regardless of time of day.

   Remember that you can't send or receive a fax if there is a brownout. ... Due to blackouts (the Philippine term is brownout), especially during the dry season, be prepared with a flashlight and don't forget to save your data in your PC.

   1991, Philippine Smile