ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: shut down
: the cessation or suspension of an activity or function: as
a. : a usually temporary stoppage of work in a factory, mine, or other business enterprise (as because of a strike, lockout, installation or repair of equipment, vacation, or lack of orders or materials)
workers were threatening a total shutdown — Ida A.R. Wylie
increasing the efficiency … and decreasing maintenance shutdowns — H.W.Iversen
trains … resumed operating this morning after a 24-hour shutdown — New York Times
b. : the stopping of a machine or engine that activates itself
the shutdown … of generating equipment in 17 industrial plants — Ohio Edison Co. Report
permitting escape of neutrons and causing a shutdown of the chain reaction — J.L.Collins
c. : the discontinuance of a physical function (as of an organ)
to prevent kidney shutdown — Anesthesia Digest