I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: break through, v.
1.
a. : an act or action of breaking through an obstruction, check, or restriction
a breakthrough to a radically higher and broader conception — Walter Lippmann
b. : a place at which such an act or action takes place
2. : a short passage or narrow opening connecting adjacent or parallel mine workings
3. : the action by water of breaking or wearing a passage : the channel made by water in so doing
4. : an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive or reinforcing line in warfare
5. : a sudden marked increase in prices or values above previous levels
the news caused a breakthrough in steel prices
6. : a sensational advance in scientific knowledge in which some baffling major problem is solved
a breakthrough like atomic fission
II. noun
: a person's first notable success