brownout

• Nom désignant une baisse de la tension électrique entraînant un affaiblissement de l'éclairage ou une pénombre partielle, souvent utilisée dans le contexte des villes ou de grandes zones.

A noun referring to a reduction in electrical power supply, resulting in dimmed lights or partial darkness, often used in the context of cities or large areas.

1. Reduction in electrical powerB2formal

   A temporary reduction in the supply of electrical power, causing lights to dim but not go out completely.

   Baisse de tension électrique

   • The city experienced a brownout during the heatwave.
   • The brownout caused some appliances to malfunction.
   • Residents were asked to reduce electricity usage to prevent a brownout.

   Synonymesdipsag

2. Darkening for securityC1formal

   A period of enforced darkness, especially in a city, to make it less visible to enemy aircraft.

   Obscurcissement défensif

   • During the war, the city was under a brownout to avoid detection.
   • The military ordered a brownout to protect the base from aerial attack.
   • Residents covered their windows during the brownout.

   Synonymesblackoutdimout