Breaker

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbrākər/

Definitions

• A device that automatically stops the flow of electricity in an electric circuit as a safety measure, usually when the circuit becomes overloaded or short-circuited.
• A person or thing that breaks something, often used in sports or technology contexts (e.g., a breaker of records or systems).
• A wave that breaks on the shore, particularly in coastal environments, often used to refer to the energy of the ocean.
• A machine used in mining or construction to break rocks or other hard materials into smaller pieces.

Usage Examples

• The electrician replaced the faulty circuit breaker to restore power to the building.
• He was known as the record breaker in the sport, having set several new records.
• The powerful breaker sent waves crashing onto the beach, drawing surfers from all over.
• The mining crew used a hydraulic breaker to shatter the rock in the quarry.

Etymology

The term "breaker" comes from the verb "break," which means to separate into pieces or destroy the integrity of something. The suffix "-er" denotes a person or thing that performs an action. The word has been used since the early 17th century to refer to things or people that break or destroy. In the electrical sense, it was adopted in the mid-19th century to describe devices that interrupt the flow of electricity in circuits.

Synonyms

• Interruptor
• Disruptor
• Circuit interrupter
• Shatterer
• Wave

Antonyms

• Connector
• Restorer
• Continuity
• Uninterrupted

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "breaker" is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable, "break," and a slight roll on the "r" sound.
• In British English, it might be pronounced with less emphasis on the "r" and with a more clipped tone.

Historical Usage

The use of breakers dates back to the early electrical systems in the late 19th century, where mechanical fuses and switches were used to protect circuits from overload. Over time, as electrical systems became more complex, the term "breaker" came to represent automatic devices designed to interrupt the flow of electricity during faults or short circuits.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "breaker" extends beyond electrical devices, encompassing a variety of contexts such as sports or natural phenomena like ocean waves. The term is widely used in sports contexts, such as "record breaker," where it refers to someone who surpasses previous achievements. In coastal areas, the term "breaker" is often associated with the powerful waves that crash onto the shore, playing a crucial role in coastal tourism and surf culture.

More Information

In the context of electrical systems, a breaker is a safety device designed to prevent damage caused by excess electrical current. It operates by automatically interrupting the current flow when the circuit is overloaded or experiences a short circuit, thus protecting both the electrical components and the user. Breakers are essential in all modern electrical systems, from household wiring to industrial power stations. Other forms of breakers are used in various industries, such as mining or construction, to break large rocks or materials into smaller pieces.