fuse

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   make liquid or plastic by heating

   The storm fused the electric mains

2. 2
   verb

   become plastic or fluid or liquefied from heat

   The substances fused at a very high temperature

3. 3
   verb

   equip with a fuse

   provide with a fuse

4. 4
   noun

   A cord that, when lit, conveys the fire to some explosive device, such as a bomb.

   The Government, having lit the fuse, is not going to be allowed to flee the explosion.

5. 5
   noun

   A tendency to lose one's temper.

   When talking about being laid off, he has a short fuse.

6. 6
   verb

   To liquify by heat; melt.

   Pure sodium is a lustrous metal... it fuses very easily at a temperature of 97°, and distils at a bright red heat (742°...)

7. 7
   verb

   To melt together; to blend; to mix indistinguishably.

   That each, who seems a separate whole, Should move his rounds, and fusing all The skirts of self again, should fall Remerging in the general Soul, Is faith as vague as all unsweet: […]

8. 8
   verb

   To stop operating, having been protected against overcurrent by its fuse blowing.

   When the bath overflowed, the downstairs lights fused, so we need a torch.

Etymology

Back-formation from fusion (“to melt”), first to verbal sense, then noun.