fuse

fuse · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A safety device in an electrical circuit that melts and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

  2. 2.

    To join or blend together to form a single entity.

  3. 3.

    A length of cord or tube containing combustible material for igniting an explosive.

  4. 4.

    (Of an electrical appliance) To stop working when a fuse melts.

Forms

plural: fuses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    blow a fuse — (literal) to cause a fuse to melt; (figurative) to lose one's temper
  • •
    short fuse — a tendency to become angry quickly
  • •
    fuse box — a panel containing electrical fuses

Related words

Antonyms: divide, separate, split
See also: circuit, fusion, merge
Synonyms: blend, combine, merge, unite

Etymology

From Latin fusus, past participle of fundere ("to pour, melt"). The noun sense relating to explosives comes from Italian fuso ("spindle").