make-and-break

American  

[meyk-uhn-breyk] / ˈmeɪk ənˈbreɪk /

adjective

1. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of make-and-break

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

If no spark is produced at the plug or at the make-and-break device it may be inferred that the wires are broken or that the generating apparatus is out of order.

From Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants A Practice Treatise Setting Forth the Principles of Gas-Engines and Producer Design, the Selection and Installation of an Engine, Conditions of Perfect Operation, Producer-Gas Engines and Their Possibilities, the Care of Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants, with a Chapter on Volatile Hydrocarbon and Oil Engines by Mathot, R. E.

A good old-fashioned make-and-break motor for mine after this—one you can depend on.”

From The Motor Girls on Crystal Bay or, The Secret of the Red Oar by Penrose, Margaret

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

From Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants A Practice Treatise Setting Forth the Principles of Gas-Engines and Producer Design, the Selection and Installation of an Engine, Conditions of Perfect Operation, Producer-Gas Engines and Their Possibilities, the Care of Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants, with a Chapter on Volatile Hydrocarbon and Oil Engines by Mathot, R. E.

I was going to file a nick in the make-and-break business but they’re too foxy to give me a file.

From Tom Slade on a Transport by Clarity, Thomas

Spring-loaded sliding pinion drives make-and-break shaft 38 through peg in inclined slot 39.40.

From The Wright Brothers' Engines and Their Design by Hobbs, Leonard S.