I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: break down
1. : the action or result of breaking down ; especially : a situation in which machinery becomes inoperative through breakage or wear : an ending of effective operation
flooding of the mine caused by a breakdown of the pumps
2.
a. : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse : a sometimes sudden marked loss of health, strength, faculties, or ability to cope
suffering a breakdown after years of overwork
b. : break II 3g
c. : surrender to agitation or emotion : loss of self-control
3.
a. : failure of operation : disruption checking progress or effectiveness : a condition marked by futile ineffectiveness : collapse , disintegration
the breakdown of the negotiations between the countries
a breakdown of communications with the territories
a breakdown of tribal customs
b. : failure of insulation ; especially : failure of an insulating material (as air, oil, porcelain, or rubber) to prevent passage of an electric discharge
4.
a. : a noisy rapid shuffling dance ; especially : a dance engaged in competitively by groups or pairs in succession
b. : a tune suitable for such a dance
5. : the part of a drop-forging die that distributes the metal of the work after it leaves the fuller by bending and shaping it in preparation for forging in the roughing die — called also edger, side cut
6.
a. : decomposition ; especially : chemical decomposition (as of a complex compound)
b. : softening or plasticization of rubber especially by mastication
c. : a disorganization of cellular tissue (as of stored apples) resulting in internal discoloration
7.
a. : division into categories
a statistical breakdown of data
: analysis , classification ; specifically : division (of a job or operation) into several distinct processes or operations
b. : an explanation or account with specific headings or categories
a breakdown of the casualties according to various service branches
: an itemized account
a budget breakdown
a breakdown as to sources of revenue
c. : analysis of a movie script in the interest of economy and convenience in filming
8. : any amateur wrestling maneuver by which a contestant in advantage position forces his opponent to the mat from a position on his hands and knees or from a bridge position
II. adjective
1. Britain : used or employed to make repairs after a breakdown or wreck
a breakdown train speeding to the scene of the accident
2. : calculated to lower school-attendance requirements or to impair restrictions on child labor
a breakdown bill
3. : obtained or resulting from disintegration or decomposition of a substance
salvaging breakdown products