dropout

dropout

(1) On magnetic media, a bit that has lost its strength due to a surface defect or recording malfunction. If the bit is in an audio or video file, it might be detected by the error correction circuitry and either corrected or not, but if not, it is often not noticed by the human ear or eye.

(2) In data transmission, a momentary loss of signal that is due to system malfunction or excessive noise.

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dropout

1. a student who fails to complete a school or college course

2. Rugby a drop kick taken by the defending team to restart play, as after a touchdown

3. Electronics a momentary loss of signal in a magnetic recording medium as a result of an imperfection in its magnetic coating

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dropout [′dräp‚au̇t]

(computer science)

The accidental disappearance of a valid bit, digit, or character from a storage medium or during reading from or writing to a storage device.

(electricity)

Of a relay, the maximum current, voltage, power, or such, at which it will release from its energized position.

(electronics)

A reduction in output signal level during reproduction of recorded data, sufficient to cause a processing error.

(graphic arts)

A halftone negative, print, or plate on which some of the original image has been removed by masking or opaquing.