dead air

noun

an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound

• Hypernyms: ↑pause, ↑intermission, ↑break, ↑interruption, ↑suspension

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noun

1. mining : air deficient in oxygen or containing sufficient carbon dioxide to be unfit for breathing

2. : silence occurring during a radio or television broadcast

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the loss or suspension of the video or audio signal during a television or radio transmission.

[1940-45]

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dead air noun

An unintentional and undesirable period of silence during a radio broadcast

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Main Entry: ↑dead

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dead air,

1. air that is prevented from circulating for purposes of insulation. Double-walled houses are insulated by dead air between the two walls.

2. a period of time when nothing is being broadcast on radio or television.

dead-air «DEHD AIR», adjective.

having to do with or using dead air: »

The weather protection is maintained in either sub-zero or blistering tropical temperatures by dead-air space insulation in the boat's canopy and floor liner (Science News Letter).

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n. an unintended interruption of the video or audio signal during a television or radio broadcast

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noun [noncount]

: a period of silence especially during a radio broadcast

After the commercial, there were a few seconds of dead air before the show continued.