breakdown

breakdown /break·down/ (brak´doun)

1. the act or process of ceasing to function.

2. an often sudden collapse in health.

3. loss of self-control.

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nervous breakdown  a nonspecific, popular name for any type of mental disorder that interferes with the affected individual's normal activities, often implying a severe episode with sudden onset.

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break·down (brkdoun)

n.

1. The act or process of failing to function or continue.

2. A typically sudden collapse in physical or mental health.

3. Disintegration or decomposition into parts or elements.

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breakdown

1. sudden appearance of disease in an individual or herd/flock in which immunity had previously appeared adequate. The term is used especially in relation to breakdowns after vaccination, e.g. classical swine fever (hog cholera), infectious avian laryngotracheitis, erysipelas. Also in individual animals which harbor inactive lesions which suddenly break down or metastasize and cause widespread lesions, e.g. in tuberculosis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.

2. acute onset of lameness in a racing horse.