brown·out

(broun′out′)

A reduction or cutback in electric power, especially as a result of a shortage, a mechanical failure, or overuse by consumers.

[brown + (black)out.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

brownout

(ˈbraʊnˌaʊt)

1. (Electrical Engineering) 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. (Electrical Engineering) a temporary reduction in electrical power. Compare blackout³

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

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

brown•out

(ˈbraʊnˌaʊt)

n.

any curtailment of electric power, esp. a voltage reduction to prevent a blackout.

[1940–45]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

brownout - darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft)

dimout, blackout

aircraft - a vehicle that can fly

dark, darkness - absence of light or illumination

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

(ZAMCELCO) by the end of this month, with the agency noting that while supply is not the main problem, there are technical facets of power network operations that have been triggering the 1-3 hours of brownout duration in the area.

DOE to conduct Zamboanga power utility's audit

Classes would be suspended on Tuesday in some areas in Nueva Ecija due to a scheduled brownout, in view of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' maintenance operations.

Tuesday classes suspended in Nueva Ecija due to brownout

Meralco identified the following areas as the ones that will be affected by the brownout:

Meralco announces schedule of brownouts in Luzon

It is no coincidence that our country's 30 poorest provinces are also among the 30 with the most cases of brownout.

'Brownout provinces' seek approval of House Bill 8179

A hiccup in the otherwise smooth election day was the early morning brownout a few minutes before the polls opened which affected some parts of the city.

Editorial / The aftermath

Helensvale, Australia, May 21, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Synopsis of the novel, "Brownout - 666 or the Real Meaning of the Swastika": Falsely accused of a sexual crime in the Philippines Rick Daly loses the love of his life, Marilyn, as well as his business.

"Brownout - 666 or the Real Meaning of the Swastika" Novel States That "Coming Disaster is Almost a Matter of Logic" and Ponders the Question, "Where is Humanity Headed?"

Participating businesses have agreed to shut off high-energy usage equipment if the need arises, to help the city avoid a blackout or brownout.

GAR labs is ready if the lights go out

Employment expert Michael Kibler calls this the "brownout" effect.

Keep the 'brownout' effect at bay

Unlike a blackout, where a failure in the electrical grid causes complete power loss to a service area, a brownout is a temporary drop in voltage.

There's a hole in the bucket

By Moh I Sduddin/Manila In contrast to previous rotational brownout, power outages in Mindanao have worsened with daily brownout durations of eight to nine hours, particularly in Kidapawan City and North Cotabato province.

Mindanao power woes worsen

BAE develops technology to help pilots see in brownouts. BAE Systems-UK has developed a system to help helicopter pilots see better in brownout conditions.

Company Watch - BAE Systems

Can someone at Electricity and Water Authority please check our problem with the brownout in our area?

Blackouts misery