brownout

Meanings

1. A period of low alternating current line voltage, causing a reduction in illumination.
2. A temporary dimming of vision, usually with a brown hue and accompanied by loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.
3. A temporary closing of a fire station, usually due to budget restrictions.
4. A power outage during the day; distinguished from a blackout, which occurs at night.
5. A moment or period where something is weakened, diminished or less effective.
6. A blackout, regardless of time of day.

Etymology

A deverbal from brown out, by analogy with blackout.