dead zone

noun

1. Ecology. an area in a body of water, especially an ocean, having oxygen levels that are not adequate to support life:

   shellfish threatened by an annual dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

2. dead spot ( def 1 ).
3. a period or place where there is little activity or excitement:

   A dead zone for home sales is November and December.

dead zone

noun

1. an area of water that cannot support marine life, being virtually devoid of oxygen due to the presence of nitrates that stimulate algae growth
2. an area where a mobile phone does not receive a signal
3. any area where something does not exist or prosper

   a dead zone for cinemas

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead zone¹

First recorded in 1875–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

“The Israeli military campaign seems to be creating a ‘dead zone’ in the south of Lebanon to drive out the population, and making it difficult for Hezbollah to re-establish positions, at the cost of the civilian population,” he said.

From BBC

When the algae decays, it consumes oxygen, making the lake hypoxic — a dead zone without oxygen to support marine life.

From Los Angeles Times

Upon stumbling on King’s “The Dead Zone” on TV, he had an epiphany: his novel needed a character like King’s Greg Stillson, a dangerously populist politician.

From Los Angeles Times

"The Gulf of Mexico continues to face many challenges, from the Dead Zone, to climate change, loss of coast habitats and continued oil spills. Efforts like this report aim to bring attention to vulnerable species that continue to be impacted by human activities and to the unique endemic fauna of the region," the researchers write in conclusion.

From Science Daily

This creates a "dead zone" that prevents liquid resin from curing and sticking to the window.

From Science Daily