fuse

//fjuːz//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of fuse

Verb

fuseInfinitive
fusePresent tense
fusedPast tense
fusedPast participle
fusingPresent participle
fusesThird-person singular
1

To join or blend together to form a single entity.

The two companies fused to form a larger corporation.

2

To melt something, especially metal, by applying heat.

The jeweler fused the gold pieces together using a torch.

3

(Of an electrical appliance) to stop working when a fuse melts due to excessive current.

The hairdryer fused when I plugged it in.

Noun

fuseSingular
fusesPlural
1

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

The fuse blew when too many appliances were plugged in at once.

2

A length of material along which a small flame moves to explode a bomb or firework.

He lit the fuse and ran away from the firework.