make-and-break

[ meyk-uhn-breyk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

noting or pertaining to a device, operated by an electric current, for automatically opening or closing a circuit once it has been closed or opened by a mechanical springlike device, as in a doorbell.

First recorded in 1855–60

If they be connected in series, one or the other should have its make-and-break contact closed.

The up-and-down movement serves as a make-and-break for the circuit.

The same method of inspection is adopted with the make-and-break apparatus of an electric magneto.

Ignition was make-and-break and the inlet valves were mechanically actuated.

Make-and-break points, on the other hand, were unaffected by excess oil in the cylinder.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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