1. In notation, a "brake" or "breath mark" (𝄂) is a vertical line with a short horizontal line that denotes a brief pause or rest without stopping the musical phrase.
2. A brake can also refer to a section where the speed of tempo slightly reduces.
3.In electronic music, a brake can describe when a DJ momentarily stops (or mutes) a playing audio track before quickly bringing it back.
Context, instrument, or genre (classical, dance, etc.) determines which meaning of "brake" applies in music.