brownout

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.
   • 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...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. A 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. (figuratively, uncommon) A moment or period where something is weakened, diminished or less effective.
6. (Australia, Hong-Kong, Philippines) A 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