fuse: meaning and definitions

A cord of readily combustible material that is lighted at one end to carry a flame along its length to detonate an explosive at the other end.

A mechanical or electrical mechanism used to detonate an explosive charge or device such as a bomb or grenade: "A mechanical . . . switch is used to initiate the fuzes” ( International Defense Review).

To equip with a mechanical or electrical fuse: "The bomb . . . was fuzed and timed to explode after the aircraft had taken off” ( Aviation Week & Space Technology).

To liquefy or reduce to a plastic state by heating; melt.

To mix (constituent elements) together by or as if by melting; blend.

To become liquefied from heat.

To become mixed or united by or as if by melting together: "There was no separation between joy and sorrow: they fused into one” ( Henry Miller). See Synonyms at mix.

A safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive current, consisting of or containing a metal element that melts when current exceeds a specific amperage, thereby opening the circuit.