Fuse
/fjuːz/
Definitions
4 meaningsA safety device that breaks an electrical circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.
/fjuːz/
A safety device in an electrical circuit
The fuse blew after the power surge.
💡 Simply: Imagine your house has a secret guard against too much electricity. This guard is a fuse. If too much power tries to get through, the fuse melts and stops the electricity, like a superhero shutting down a dangerous machine before it explodes.
👶 For kids: A little thing that stops electricity from hurting things if there's too much.
More Examples
Make sure to replace the fuse with one of the correct amperage.
A fuse is a simple yet vital safety mechanism in electrical circuits.
How It's Used
"The electrician replaced the blown fuse."
To join or blend together to form a single entity.
/fjuːz/
To join or blend together
The welding process can fuse two pieces of metal.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a super yummy smoothie. When you blend all the ingredients, you're helping them fuse together. It's like combining things so completely that they become one delicious whole.
👶 For kids: To mix two things together so they become one.
More Examples
Their musical styles fused beautifully to create a new genre.
The committee decided to fuse the two departments into one.
How It's Used
"The metals will fuse together under high heat."
"Their ideas fused into a brilliant solution."
To equip something with a fuse, especially an explosive device.
/fjuːz/
To equip with a fuse
The technicians carefully fused the explosive device before the operation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're preparing a firework. You need to attach the small piece of the firework that burns (the fuse) to make it go off. So, when you add the fuse to it, you're 'fusing' it.
👶 For kids: To put the part on something that makes it go boom (like on a firework).
More Examples
The engineer knew how to correctly fuse a blasting cap.
He carefully fused the dynamite before setting it.
How It's Used
"He carefully fused the bomb."
The device that starts the explosion of a bomb or explosive.
/fjuːz/
The means by which a bomb or other explosive is ignited.
The bomb's fuse was a timer.
💡 Simply: Imagine a firework, you light the fuse so it blows up.
👶 For kids: The string or part that makes the boom happen.
More Examples
The fuse was made of a special material.
They checked the fuse before planting the explosive.
How It's Used
"The bomb was armed and the fuse was lit."
Idioms & expressions
short fuse
Someone with a short temper and easily angered.
"He has a short fuse and gets angry quickly."
blow a fuse
To lose one's temper; to become very angry.
"He blew a fuse when he saw the mess."
From Latin *fūsus*, past participle of *fundere* 'to pour, melt'. Related to 'fusion' and 'confuse'.
The word 'fuse' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to a cord used to ignite explosives. Its meaning expanded to include electrical devices in the late 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a safety 'fuse' that melts when things get too hot (electrically).
Word Origin
"to pour, melt"