/brayk"up'/ , n.
1. disintegration; disruption; dispersal.
2. the ending of a personal, esp. a romantic, relationship.
3. (in Alaska and Canada)
a. the melting and loosening of ice in rivers and harbors during the early spring.
b. the first day on which such ice is soft or dispersed enough to permit ships to use the waterways.
4. Informal. an act or instance of being convulsed with laughter.
5. temporary distortion in a televised picture.
[ 1785-95; n. use of v. phrase break up ]