Break
- Break Break (br[=a]k), n. [See {Break}, v. t., and cf. {Brake}
(the instrument), {Breach}, {Brack} a crack.]
1. An opening made by fracture or disruption.
[1913 Webster]
2. An interruption of continuity; change of direction; as, a break in a wall; a break in the deck of a ship. Specifically: (a) (Arch.) A projection or recess from the face of a building. (b) (Elec.) An opening or displacement in the circuit, interrupting the electrical current. [1913 Webster]
3. An interruption; a pause; as, a break in friendship; a break in the conversation. [1913 Webster]
4. An interruption in continuity in writing or printing, as where there is an omission, an unfilled line, etc. [1913 Webster]
All modern trash is Set forth with numerous breaks and dashes. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
5. The first appearing, as of light in the morning; the dawn; as, the break of day; the break of dawn. [1913 Webster]
6. A large four-wheeled carriage, having a straight body and calash top, with the driver's seat in front and the footman's behind. [1913 Webster]
7. A device for checking motion, or for measuring friction. See {Brake}, n. 9 & 10. [1913 Webster]
8. (Teleg.) See {Commutator}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
Look at other dictionaries:
Break — (br[=a]k), v. t. [imp. {broke} (br[=o]k), (Obs. {Brake}); p. p. {Broken} (br[=o] k n), (Obs. {Broke}); p. pr. & vb. n. {Breaking}.] [OE. breken, AS. brecan; akin to OS. brekan, D. breken, OHG. brehhan, G. brechen, Icel. braka to creak, Sw. braka … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Break — (br[=a]k), v. i. 1. To come apart or divide into two or more pieces, usually with suddenness and violence; to part; to burst asunder. [1913 Webster] 2. To open spontaneously, or by pressure from within, as a bubble, a tumor, a seed vessel, a bag … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
break — vb Break, crack, burst, bust, snap, shatter, shiver are comparable as general terms meaning fundamentally to come apart or cause to come apart. Break basically implies the operation of a stress or strain that will cause a rupture, a fracture, a… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
break — ► VERB (past broke; past part. broken) 1) separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. 2) make or become inoperative; stop working. 3) interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course). 4) fail to observe (a law, regulation, or… … English terms dictionary
break — [brāk] vt. broke, broken, breaking [ME breken < OE brecan < IE base * bhreg > BREACH, BREECH, Ger brechen, L frangere] 1. to cause to come apart by force; split or crack sharply into pieces; smash; burst 2. a) … English World dictionary
break — / brāk/ vb broke / brōk/, bro·ken, / brō kən/, break·ing, / brā kiŋ/ vt 1 a: violate transgress break the law … Law dictionary
break — [n1] fissure, opening breach, cleft, crack, discontinuity, disjunction, division, fracture, gap, gash, hole, rent, rift, rupture, schism, split, tear; concepts 230,757 Ant. association, attachment, binding, combination, fastening, juncture break… … New thesaurus
break-up — break ups also breakup 1) N COUNT: usu N of n, n N The break up of a marriage, relationship, or association is the act of it finishing or coming to an end because the people involved decide that it is not working successfully. Since the break up… … English dictionary
break up — {v.} 1. To break into pieces. * /The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the pipes under it./ * /River ice breaks up in the spring./ 2. {informal} To lose or destroy spirit or self control. Usually used in the passive. * /Mrs. Lawrence was… … Dictionary of American idioms
break up — {v.} 1. To break into pieces. * /The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the pipes under it./ * /River ice breaks up in the spring./ 2. {informal} To lose or destroy spirit or self control. Usually used in the passive. * /Mrs. Lawrence was… … Dictionary of American idioms
