n.
Pronunciation: ' br ā k- ˌ dau ̇ n
Function: noun
Date: 1827
1 : the action or result of breaking down: as a : a failure to function b : failure to progress or have effect : DISINTEGRATION <a breakdown of negotiations> c : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse d : the process of decomposing e : division into categories : CLASSIFICATION also : an account analyzed into categories
2 : a fast shuffling dance also : music for such a dance