Main Entry:

break·through

Pronunciation:

\ˈbrāk-ˌthrü\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Date:

1918

1: an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare2: an act or instance of breaking through an obstacle <a breakthrough agreement>3 a: a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique <a medical breakthrough> b: a person's first notable success <a breakthrough novel>