Blackbox
noun
A device or system that records data, the internal workings of which are not known or accessible.
The flight data was retrieved from the blackbox after the aircraft incident.
Often appears as...
- flight blackbox
- digital blackbox
Usage tips
Neutral
data recorder, flight recorder, opaque system
noun
A term used metaphorically to describe any situation or system where inputs and outputs are visible, but the processes in between are not understood.
In economics, the market is often seen as a blackbox where the mechanics of supply and demand interact without transparency.
Often appears as...
- social blackbox
- economic blackbox
Usage tips
Neutral
opaque process, closed system, complex mechanism
noun
A device or system that records data, the internal workings of which are not known or accessible.
The flight data was retrieved from the blackbox after the aircraft incident.
Often appears as...
- flight blackbox
- digital blackbox
Usage tips
Neutral
data recorder, flight recorder, opaque system
noun
A term used metaphorically to describe any situation or system where inputs and outputs are visible, but the processes in between are not understood.
In economics, the market is often seen as a blackbox where the mechanics of supply and demand interact without transparency.
Often appears as...
- social blackbox
- economic blackbox
Usage tips
Neutral
opaque process, closed system, complex mechanism
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In social sciences, 'blackbox' can symbolize complicated systems where only these inputs and outputs are seen.
Many organizations operate as blackboxes, making it hard to understand their decision-making process.
Pro Tip 2/3Technical Context
In engineering, understanding a blackbox involves analyzing inputs and outputs without knowing the internal processes.
Engineers often treat devices as blackboxes for simplification.
Pro Tip 3/3Transparency
The term highlights a lack of transparency in processes, often leading to mistrust or confusion.
Governments can sometimes function like blackboxes to citizens.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In social sciences, 'blackbox' can symbolize complicated systems where only these inputs and outputs are seen.
Many organizations operate as blackboxes, making it hard to understand their decision-making process.
Pro Tip 2/3Technical Context
In engineering, understanding a blackbox involves analyzing inputs and outputs without knowing the internal processes.
Engineers often treat devices as blackboxes for simplification.
Pro Tip 3/3Transparency
The term highlights a lack of transparency in processes, often leading to mistrust or confusion.
Governments can sometimes function like blackboxes to citizens.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In social sciences, 'blackbox' can symbolize complicated systems where only these inputs and outputs are seen.
Many organizations operate as blackboxes, making it hard to understand their decision-making process.
Pro Tip 2/3Technical Context
In engineering, understanding a blackbox involves analyzing inputs and outputs without knowing the internal processes.
Engineers often treat devices as blackboxes for simplification.
Pro Tip 3/3Transparency
The term highlights a lack of transparency in processes, often leading to mistrust or confusion.
Governments can sometimes function like blackboxes to citizens.
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