Main Entry: break·down

Pronunciation: \ˈbrāk-ˌdau̇n\

Function: noun

Date: 1827

1 : the action or result of breaking down: as a : a failure to function b : failure to progress or have effect : disintegration <a breakdown of negotiations> c : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse d : the process of decomposing e : division into categories : classification; also : an account analyzed into categories
2 : a fast shuffling dance; also : music for such a dance