Brownout: meaning, definitions and examples

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brownout

[ˈbraʊnˌaʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

electricity

A temporary reduction in electrical power.

Synonyms

blackout, power outage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brownout	When there is a temporary reduction in the voltage of electricity which causes lights to dim but not go out completely. The lights flickered during the brownout but didn’t go out entirely. We experience frequent brownouts during the summer due to high electricity demand.
power outage	General term for any interruption in electrical power, whether it is partial (brownout) or complete (blackout). There was a power outage that lasted for two hours. Due to a power outage, many businesses had to close early.
blackout	When there is a complete loss of electrical power in an area. The entire city experienced a blackout after the storm. We had to use candles during the blackout last night.

Word

Description / Examples

brownout

When there is a temporary reduction in the voltage of electricity which causes lights to dim but not go out completely.

The lights flickered during the brownout but didn’t go out entirely.
We experience frequent brownouts during the summer due to high electricity demand.

power outage

General term for any interruption in electrical power, whether it is partial (brownout) or complete (blackout).

There was a power outage that lasted for two hours.
Due to a power outage, many businesses had to close early.

blackout

When there is a complete loss of electrical power in an area.

The entire city experienced a blackout after the storm.
We had to use candles during the blackout last night.

Examples of usage

The city experienced a brownout during the heatwave.
The brownout caused the lights to flicker.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

memory

A temporary loss of memory or confusion.

Synonyms

confusion, memory lapse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brownout	Used primarily in an electrical or technical context to describe a partial drop in voltage in an electrical power supply, which can cause lights to dim and electronic devices to malfunction. During the heatwave, the city experienced several brownouts, causing issues with the air conditioning The brownout lasted for a few minutes, but it disrupted the meeting
memory lapse	Describes a temporary failure to remember something, often used in personal situations, such as forgetting a name, an appointment, or where something was placed. I had a memory lapse and forgot where I parked my car There was a brief memory lapse when she couldn't recall the name of her colleague
confusion	Used when someone is unsure or unclear about something, often in social, educational, or professional situations. This word can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of understanding or clarity. There was some confusion about the meeting time, so half the team arrived an hour early The instructions were unclear, leading to widespread confusion among the students

Word

Description / Examples

brownout

Used primarily in an electrical or technical context to describe a partial drop in voltage in an electrical power supply, which can cause lights to dim and electronic devices to malfunction.

During the heatwave, the city experienced several brownouts, causing issues with the air conditioning
The brownout lasted for a few minutes, but it disrupted the meeting

memory lapse

Describes a temporary failure to remember something, often used in personal situations, such as forgetting a name, an appointment, or where something was placed.

I had a memory lapse and forgot where I parked my car
There was a brief memory lapse when she couldn't recall the name of her colleague

confusion

Used when someone is unsure or unclear about something, often in social, educational, or professional situations. This word can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of understanding or clarity.

There was some confusion about the meeting time, so half the team arrived an hour early
The instructions were unclear, leading to widespread confusion among the students

Examples of usage

After the accident, he suffered from a brownout and couldn't remember what happened.
The medication caused a brownout, making it difficult for her to recall recent events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'brownout' originated in the 1970s, derived from the 'brown' color indicating reduced power compared to a 'blackout', where power completely fails.
It was commonly used during energy crises when electric companies would intentionally lower voltage to prevent a complete blackout.

Science

When a brownout occurs, the voltage supplied drops dramatically, which can cause electrical appliances to malfunction or get damaged.
Unlike a blackout, where power is entirely lost, a brownout allows for limited functioning of electrical devices, resulting in dim lights.

Historical Significance

Several notable brownouts have occurred in cities experiencing high electricity demands, such as New York in the 1970s—impacting both infrastructure and economy.
During World War II, brownouts were used as a strategy for conserving energy and reducing visibility to air raids.

Cultural Impact

In pop culture, brownouts have featured in films and television as dramatic moments where power fluctuations signal chaos.
In music, the term has been used metaphorically to describe emotions or states of being that feel dim or reduced, akin to the effects of reduced power.

Psychology

Experiencing a brownout can elicit feelings of anxiety or stress, as it represents a loss of control over one's environment.
The unpredictability of brownouts can lead to long-term impacts on how individuals perceive and respond to electrical reliance in their daily lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "brownout" in other languages:

🇵🇹 queda de tensão

🇮🇳 ब्राउनआउट

🇩🇪 Spannungsabfall

🇮🇩 penurunan tegangan

🇺🇦 провал напруги

🇵🇱 spadek napięcia

🇯🇵 電圧降下

🇫🇷 baisse de tension

🇪🇸 caída de tensión

🇹🇷 gerilim düşmesi

🇰🇷 전압 강하

🇸🇦 انخفاض الجهد الكهربائي

🇨🇿 pokles napětí

🇸🇰 pokles napätia

🇨🇳 电压下降

🇸🇮 padec napetosti

🇮🇸 spenna lækkar

🇰🇿 кернеудің төмендеуі

🇬🇪 ძაბვის ვარდნა

🇦🇿 gərginliyin azalması

🇲🇽 caída de tensión