circuit breaker: Meaning and Definition of

cir'cuit break"er

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. Also calleda device for interrupting an electric circuit to prevent excessive current, as that caused by a short circuit, from damaging the apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire.
  2. any property-tax relief measure that reduces or limits property taxes for certain eligible taxpayers, as those with low income or the elderly.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.