I. ˈfyüz noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Italian fuso spindle, from Latin fusus
1. : a continuous train of explosive enclosed in a flexible waterproof cord or cable for setting off a charge (as dynamite) by communication of either fire or detonation
detonating fuses
— see safety fuse 1
2. usually fuze “ : a detonating device for setting off (as by percussion) the bursting charge of a projectile, bomb, or torpedo
our new proximity fuse which enabled artillery shells to burst automatically — F.E.Fox
II. transitive verb
or fuze “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: fuse (I) & fuse (IV)
: to equip with a fuse
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin fusus, past participle of fundere to pour, to melt — more at found
transitive verb
1.
a. : to reduce to a liquid or plastic state by heat : dissolve , melt
the thunderstorm had fused the electric mains — C.K.Finlay
b. : to blend by melting together : unite by heating
foundries which fuse zinc and copper into hard, bright brass — Newsweek
c. archaic : to thin or dilute (the blood)
purgatives are … to fuse and thin the blood — George Cheyne
2. : to unite as if by melting together : blend , integrate
fuses the clutter of detail into a rich and fascinating narrative — A.M.Schlesinger b.1917
specifically : to join (two adjacent bony surfaces) by surgery
intransitive verb
1. : to become fluid with heat : liquefy , melt
acetate rayon tends to fuse if pressed at too high a temperature — W.L.Carmichael
specifically : to fail because of the melting of a link in an electrical circuit
all the lights in the house have fused — Christian Science Monitor
2. : to become integrated : unite , merge
the passion for service must fuse with the passion for knowledge — C.W.Eliot
Synonyms: see mix
IV. noun
( -s )
: a wire, bar, or strip of metal with a very low melting point that melts and breaks the circuit when an electric current exceeds a specified amperage
plug fuses … have transparent windows at the top which enable the homeowner to see when they are blown — Bernard Gladstone