circuit breaker


noun

Electricity. Also called breaker. a device for interrupting an electric circuit to prevent excessive current, as that caused by a short circuit, from damaging the apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire.
any property-tax relief measure that reduces or limits property taxes for certain eligible taxpayers, as those with low income or the elderly.

Origin of circuit breaker

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example sentences from the Web for circuit breaker

British Dictionary definitions for circuit breaker

circuit breaker

noun

a device that under abnormal conditions, such as a short circuit, interrupts the flow of current in an electrical circuit Sometimes shortened to: breaker Compare fuse 2 (def. 6)

Scientific definitions for circuit breaker

circuit breaker

A switch that automatically interrupts the flow of electric current if the current exceeds a preset limit, measured in amperes. Circuit breakers are used most often as a safety precaution where excessive current through a circuit could be hazardous. Unlike fuses, they can usually be reset and reused.