Skip to main content
breakover

breakover

9.7
The voltage at which an electrical device suddenly starts to conduct electricity
  • noun
  • /ˈbreɪkˌoʊvər/
  • Specialized
: tensión de ruptura
  • The technician measured the breakover voltage of the diode to ensure it operates correctly within the circuit.

Examples

  • If the voltage exceeds the breakover, the device may be permanently damaged.

  • Engineers must know the breakover value to design reliable electronic components.

  • The technician measured the breakover of the diode to ensure it would function safely in the circuit.

  • The breakover voltage for this circuit is crucial.

  • Understanding the breakover point helps in circuit design.

  • If the voltage exceeds the breakover threshold, the electrical device could suffer irreversible damage.

  • Engineers need to calculate the breakover value to ensure that electronic components function effectively.

Synonyms

breakdown
vsbreakover
17 3.5

A machine or system stopping so it cannot work

is the electrical voltage threshold that causes conduction not a general stoppage
sudden breakdown
vsbreakover
1 3.5

An unexpected failure of a machine that stops it working

refers to the specific electrical voltage that triggers conduction rather than general failure
flashover
vsbreakover
  • Specialized
1 9.8

A sudden electrical spark that jumps across an insulator or between wires

is the voltage point that causes conduction rather than the discharge itself

Surface Forms

breakover singular
breakovers plural

Morphology

breakover = break (semi-transparent) = over + break

The word transparently combines 'break' + 'over' but denotes a specialized electrical threshold (sudden conduction) that learners without electrical knowledge may not predict. [Postprocessing: moved 'over' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Breakover comes from the parts break and over. Imagine electricity 'breaking over' a barrier and suddenly starting to let current flow; the breakover is the voltage where a device begins to let current pass.