Brownout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brownout
[ˈbraʊnˌaʊt ]
Definitions
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.
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| power outage |
General term for any interruption in electrical power, whether it is partial (brownout) or complete (blackout).
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| blackout |
When there is a complete loss of electrical power in an area.
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Examples of usage
- The city experienced a brownout during the heatwave.
- The brownout caused the lights to flicker.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'brownout'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'brownout' originated from the electrical engineering field to describe a reduction in voltage or power supply. Over time, the term has also been used in other contexts, such as memory loss or confusion. The word combines 'brown' and 'out', indicating a dimming or loss of power. Brownouts can be caused by various factors, including overloaded power grids or equipment failures. In the context of memory, a brownout refers to a temporary lapse or confusion in recalling information.
See also: brown.