fused

fuse ¹ also fuze  (fyz)

n.

1. 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.

2. often fuze 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).

tr.v. fused also fuzed, fus·ing also fuz·ing, fus·es also fuz·es

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).

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[From Italian fuso, spindle (originally from its shape), from Latin fsus.]

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fuse ²  (fyz)

v. fused, fus·ing, fus·es

v.tr.

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

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

v.intr.

1. To become liquefied from heat.

2. 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.

n.

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.

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[Latin fundere, fs-, to melt; see gheu- in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

fused - joined together into a whole; "United Industries"; "the amalgamated colleges constituted a university"; "a consolidated school" amalgamate, amalgamated, coalesced, consolidated united - characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity; "presented a united front"