Medical Dictionary
1break
verb \ˈbrāk\
broke \ˈbrōk\ bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\ break·ing
Medical Definition of BREAK
transitive verb
1
a : to snap into pieces : fracture <break a bone> b : to fracture the bone of (a bodily part) <the blow broke her arm> c : to dislocate or dislocate and fracture a bone of (the neck or back)
2
a : to cause an open wound in : rupture <break the skin> b : to rupture the surface of and permit flowing out or effusing <break an artery> <he broke several veins during his seizure>
intransitive verb
1
: to fail in health or strength—often used with down <he broke down under the strain>
2
: to suffer complete or marked loss of resistance, composure, resolution, morale, or command of a situation—often used with down <the prisoner broke down under interrogation and told the whole story>
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