brownout

See also: brown out and brown-out

English

Deverbal from brown out, by analogy with blackout.

brownout (plural brownouts)

A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.
Synonym: dimout

When demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, a brownout occurs.
Temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.
Synonyms: grayout, greyout

On rising suddenly from her chair she experienced a brownout and had to sit down again quickly.
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.
A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night
(Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong) A blackout, regardless of time of day.
- 1991, Philippine Smile:
  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.

A rolling brownout describes a deliberate reduction in voltage (for sense 1) or of firefighting (for sense 3) in multiple service areas at staggered times.

a period of low alternating current line voltage

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