Meaning & use
breakthrough time
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable or uncountabletechnical
The time it takes for a substance to pass through a material or for a filter to begin letting through a substance it is meant to block.
Grammar: Often used with 'the' or in compounds like 'breakthrough time of'. Can be countable when referring to specific measurements.
Patterns
- breakthrough time of something
- measure the breakthrough time
- breakthrough time for a filter
The breakthrough time of the new membrane was tested in the lab.
A longer breakthrough time means the filter is more effective.
Researchers measured the breakthrough time for different chemicals.
nouncountable or uncountablemedicaltechnical
In medical or drug testing, the time when a treatment starts to lose its effect or a disease breaks through.
Grammar: Used more in medical research contexts.
Patterns
- breakthrough time of a drug
- short breakthrough time
The breakthrough time for the painkiller was about four hours.
Doctors noted a short breakthrough time for the new vaccine.
Common combinations
- breakthrough time of
- The breakthrough time of the protective gloves was tested.
- measure the breakthrough time
- Scientists measure the breakthrough time to compare materials.
- long breakthrough time
- A long breakthrough time indicates better protection.
Synonyms and how they differ
- penetration time
- Similar but often refers to the time for a substance to go through a material, not necessarily a filter.
Word family
- breakthrough noun
- A sudden important discovery or development.
Commonly confused: breakthrough time or breakdown time?
breakthrough time vs breakdown time
Breakdown time is the time it takes for something to stop working or decompose, not for a substance to pass through.
Practice
In a laboratory report, which sentence uses 'breakthrough time' correctly?
Choose one answer.
In technical contexts, 'breakthrough time' refers to the time before a substance passes through a barrier. Option 0 uses it correctly. The others confuse it with 'breakthrough' as a general success or use it in unrelated contexts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “breakthrough time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.