fuse Definition

fuse¹
noun

1. elec.
A safety device consisting of a length of wire which melts when the current exceeds a certain value, thereby breaking the circuit. It is designed to prevent damage to electrical equipment and reduce the risk of fire. See also blow¹ (verb 8).

verb, tr & intr fused, fusing

1. To melt as a result of the application of heat.
2. To join by, or as if by, melting together.

Thesaurus: unite, merge, combine, intermingle, intermix, join, weld, amalgamate, commingle, meld, federate, coalesce.
Form: fuse together (also)
3. Said of an electric circuit or appliance: to cease to function as a result of the melting of a fuse.

Idiom: blow a fuse

colloq
To lose one's temper.
Thesaurus: rage, rant, throw a tantrum, become enraged, become angry, become irate, boil, blow up, lose one's temper, lose one's cool (slang).

Etymology: 16c: from Latin fundere, fusum to melt.

---

fuse²
fuze
noun

1. A cord or cable containing combustible material, used for detonating a bomb or explosive charge.

verb

fused, fusing
1. To fit with such a device.

Idiom: have a short fuse (burn on a short fuse)

To be quick-tempered.

Etymology: 17c: from Latin fusus spindle.