breaker
break-er · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A heavy sea wave that breaks into white foam on the shore or a reef.
- 2.
A device that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit.
- 3.
A person or thing that breaks something.
- 4.
A machine for breaking up rocks or other materials.
Forms
plural: breakers
Phrases & expressions
- •circuit breaker — electrical safety device
- •ice breaker — ship designed to break through ice; also an activity to ease social tension
- •deal breaker — factor that prevents agreement
- •breakers ahead — warning of danger
Related words
Etymology
From the verb "break" with the agentive suffix "-er," dating from the 15th century for the wave sense and later for mechanical devices.