an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.
–adjective
9.
of, pertaining to, or being that which separates or secedes: the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.
10.
departing from routine or tradition.
11.
constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily: breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.
12.
(of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.
Origin: 1885–95; n., adj. use of v. phrase break away
Designed to break, bend, or fall apart easily upon impact, especially to create an illusion, as with a theater prop, or for safety, as with a highway sign or barrier.
Severing or having severed alliance with another entity, policy, or attitude: a group of breakaway political reformers.
n.
One that breaks away.
The act of breaking away, especially:
An offensive play in a team sport such as ice hockey in which a player with the ball or puck advances ahead of the defenders toward the goal.
A burst of speed by a competitor or group of competitors in a race to break free of the pack.
[breyk-uh-wey] 
