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brownout

 
Dictionary: brown·out   (broun'out') pronunciation

n.
A reduction or cutback in electric power, especially as a result of a shortage, a mechanical failure, or overuse by consumers.

[BROWN + (BLACK)OUT.]


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A lowering of AC power voltage for some period of time. Brownouts can be very harmful to electronic equipment if sustained for long periods. Brownouts can cause flickering or a dimming on screen, and the computer may experience intermittent problems as a result. See blackout.

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Architecture: brownout
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1. To complete the application of a base-coat plaster.
2. The setting of base-coat plaster, which darkens, or browns, as it sets.
3. The dimming of lights as a consequence of a reduction of voltage furnished to a section of a city (or an entire city) by the electrical utility.


WordNet: brownout
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Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft)
  Synonyms: blackout, dimout


 
 

 

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Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
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Architecture. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.  Read more

 

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