View synonyms for

black box

noun

any unit that forms part of an electronic circuit and that has its function, but not its components, specified.
any comparatively small, usually black, box containing a secret, mysterious, or complex mechanical or electronic device.
Aeronautics.��an electronic device, such as a flight recorder, that can be removed from an aircraft as a single package.
Automotive.��a device in an electronic ignition system that generates electrical pulses.

black box

noun

a self-contained unit in an electronic or computer system whose circuitry need not be known to understand its function
an informal name for flight recorder

black box

A crash-resistant steel container that holds instruments that record performance data in airplanes. The data are used to analyze the causes of accidents.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of black box¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Both the CVR and FDR collectively form what is commonly known as the "black box" of a plane.

From

On Friday, a black box was found at the site of the crash which India's civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said would "significantly aid the inquiry" into the disaster.

From

Planes usually carry two black boxes - small but tough electronic data recorders.

From

In the coming days a complex investigation involving the plane's black box - which records flight data - and an examination of debris will commence.

From

A much fuller picture will come once the plane's black boxes - the electronic recording devices that store vital flight information - have been recovered.

From

black bottom pie black boy

Browse