/brayk"euh way'/ , n.
1. an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation: the breakaway of two provinces from a state.
2. a departure or break from routine or tradition: a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.
3. a person or thing that breaks away.
4. an object, as a theatrical prop, constructed so that it breaks or falls apart easily, esp. upon impact.
5. Ice Hockey. a sudden rush down the ice by a player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents.
6. Football. a run by an offensive player breaking through the defense for a long gain.
7. Basketball. See fast break .
8. Chiefly Australian.
a. a stampede.
b. an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.
adj.
9. of, pertaining to, or being that which separates or secedes: the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.
10. departing from routine or tradition.
11. constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily: breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.
12. (of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.
[ 1885-95; n., adj. use of v. phrase break away ]