FUSE

n. & v. (also fuze) --n. 1 a device for igniting a bomb or explosive charge, consisting of a tube or cord etc. filled or saturated with combustible matter. 2 a component in a shell, mine, etc., designed to detonate an explosive charge on impact, after an interval, or when subjected to a magnetic or vibratory stimulation. --v.tr. fit a fuse to. øøfuseless adj. [It. fuso f. L fusus spindle]