dead time

noun

1. downtime.
2. Electronics. an interval during which an actuating signal produces no response.

dead time

noun

1. electronics the interval of time immediately following a stimulus, during which an electrical device, component, etc, is insensitive to a further stimulus

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead time¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“But it cuts down on the stress. The dead time is actually sitting behind the wheel. I can read, do some work or just relax on the bus. It’s more productive and less frustrating.”

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans in the state legislature purposefully scheduled the vote for August—a notoriously dead time for civic engagement—in hopes of a low voter turnout.

From Slate

The dog days of summer are also a historically dead time in Hollywood, when power brokers take lengthy vacations and the pace of deal-making stalls.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s cut out a lot of dead time, there’s not a lot of waiting around, it’s what fans say they want,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In January — that is, during the NFL, NBA and NHL seasons but in a dead time for MLB — Ipsos polled 1,035 American adults and asked whether they were fans of 13 sports.

From Los Angeles Times