English English Dictionary

The fruit of a tree (Artocarpus incisa) found in the islands of the Pacific, esp. the South Sea islands. It is of a roundish form, from four to six or seven inches in diameter, and, when baked, somewhat resembles bread, and is eaten as food, whence the name.

The tree itself, which is one of considerable size, with large, lobed leaves. Cloth is made from the bark, and the timber is used for many purposes. Called also breadfruit tree and bread tree.

Without bread; destitute of food.

The root of a leguminous plant (Psoralea esculenta), found near the Rocky Mountains. It is usually oval in form, and abounds in farinaceous matter, affording sweet and palatable food.

Grain, flour, or meal of which bread is made.

Distance from side to side of any surface or thing; measure across, or at right angles to the length; width.

Without breadth.

Breadthwise.

The member of a family whose labor supplies the food of the family; one who works for his living.

In the direction of the breadth.

An opening made by fracture or disruption.

To be crushed, or overwhelmed with sorrow or grief; as, my heart is breaking.

To fall in business; to become bankrupt.

To make an abrupt or sudden change; to change the gait; as, to break into a run or gallop.

To fail in musical quality; as, a singer's voice breaks when it is strained beyond its compass and a tone or note is not completed, but degenerates into an unmusical sound instead. Also, to change in tone, as a boy's voice at puberty.

A projection or recess from the face of a building.

An opening or displacement in the circuit, interrupting the electrical current.

To impart, as news or information; to broach; -- with to, and often with a modified word implying some reserve; as, to break the news gently to the widow; to break a purpose cautiously to a friend.

To fall out; to terminate friendship.

An interruption of continuity; change of direction; as, a break in a wall; a break in the deck of a ship.