释义 |
breakdown 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 > |