English Reference
noun · verb

fuse

n. · v.
US /ˈfjuz/ UK /fjˈuːz/ fuse UK spelling fuses, fusing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Physics

    n.a small safety part in an electrical device that breaks the circuit if the power is too high.

    n.a safety device consisting of a strip of wire that melts and breaks an electric circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

    Simple

    The lights went out because a fuse blew in the kitchen.

    In context

    The technician replaced the blown fuse after identifying a short circuit in the industrial cooling unit.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'to blow a fuse'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    n.a string or wire that carries fire to an explosive, like a bomb or firework.

    n.a cord, tube, or mechanical device used to convey fire or a detonating spark to an explosive charge.

    Simple

    He lit the fuse and ran to a safe distance before the fireworks started.

    In context

    The demolition team carefully inspected the fuse to ensure the controlled explosion would occur exactly on schedule.

    wickdetonator
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.your ability to stay calm without getting angry.

    n.a person's tendency to lose their temper, typically used in the idiom 'short fuse'.

    Simple

    Be careful what you say to him; he has a very short fuse.

    In context

    The manager was known for his short fuse, often reacting with disproportionate anger to minor administrative errors.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to join two or more things together so they become one, often using heat.

    v.to join or blend different things into a single entity, often through melting or intense heat.

    Simple

    The two companies decided to fuse their technology departments into one team.

    In context

    The artist used extreme heat to fuse glass and metal into a single, striking sculpture.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    v.when atoms join together to create a lot of energy.

    v.to undergo or cause to undergo nuclear fusion, where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

    Simple

    Inside the sun, hydrogen atoms fuse together to create helium and light.

    In context

    Scientists are still working on a way to make atoms fuse in a controlled environment to produce clean energy.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated