English

Alternative forms

• brown out, brown-out

Noun

brownout ‎(plural brownouts)

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

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

2. 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.

3. 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

Usage notes

• 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.

Synonyms

• grayout, greyout

Coordinate terms

• blackout

Translations

See also

• whiteout