black box

noun

1. any unit that forms part of an electronic circuit and that has its function, but not its components, specified.
2. any comparatively small, usually black, box containing a secret, mysterious, or complex mechanical or electronic device.
3. Aeronautics. an electronic device, such as a flight recorder, that can be removed from an aircraft as a single package.
4. Automotive. a device in an electronic ignition system that generates electrical pulses.

black box

noun

1. a self-contained unit in an electronic or computer system whose circuitry need not be known to understand its function
2. an informal name for flight recorder

black box

1. A crash-resistant steel container that holds instruments that record performance data in airplanes. The data are used to analyze the causes of accidents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black box¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Specifically how those genes might influence the progression of neurodegeneration remains something of a black box though, in part because of the challenges of examining in molecular detail the brain of a living patient.

From Science Daily

So far, Hoover’s outreach has not extended to NOlympics LA, an opposition group that describes LA28 as a “black box” operating outside public view.

From Los Angeles Times

A black box device can help young drivers reduce their insurance premiums because it tracks things like speed, braking, acceleration, cornering and mileage.

From BBC

The RSF says it has the plane’s black box and seized documents related to the plane and its mission.

From BBC

“I think we’re now coming to terms that this is a very powerful technology indeed, but it’s not a magical black box that makes movies with no control,” said Runway Chief Executive Cristóbal Valenzuela.

From Los Angeles Times