breakdown
[ breyk-doun ]
/ ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn /
noun
a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.
a loss of mental or physical health; collapse.
Compare nervous breakdown.
an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.
Chemistry.
Electricity.
an electric discharge passing through faulty insulation or other material used to separate circuits or passing between electrodes in a vacuum or gas-filled tube.
a noisy, lively folk dance.
Origin of breakdown
First recorded in 1825–35; noun use of verb phrase
break down
Words nearby breakdown
breakable,
breakage,
breakaway,
breakbeat,
breakbone fever,
breakdown,
breakdown van,
breakdown voltage,
breaker,
breaker card,
breaker strip
Example sentences from the Web for breakdown
Medical definitions for breakdown
breakdown
[ brāk′doun′ ]
n.
The act or process of failing to function or continue.
A typically sudden collapse in physical or mental health.
Disintegration or decomposition into parts or elements.