Slows down when this disintegrates, they say (6)

I believe the answer is:

brakes

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'slows' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for brakes that I've seen before include "In a way, stops" , "Apply them to slow down" , "They work to slow a vehicle" , "Devices for reducing speed or stopping" , "carriages" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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