fuse

I. verb (fused; fusing) Etymology: Latin fusus, past participle of fundere to pour, melt — more at found Date: 1592 transitive verb 1. to reduce to a liquid or plastic state by heat 2. to blend thoroughly by or as if by melting together ; combine 3. to stitch by applying heat and pressure with or without the use of an adhesive intransitive verb 1. a. to become fluid with heat b. British to fail because of the blowing of a fuse 2. to become blended or joined by or as if by melting together Synonyms: see mix II. noun Date: 1868 an electrical safety device consisting of or including a wire or strip of fusible metal that melts and interrupts the circuit when the current exceeds a particular amperage III. noun Etymology: Italian fuso spindle, from Latin fusus, of unknown origin Date: 1644 1. a continuous train of a combustible substance enclosed in a cord or cable for setting off an explosive charge by transmitting fire to it 2. (also fuze) a mechanical or electrical detonating device for setting off the bursting charge of a projectile, bomb, or torpedo IV. transitive verb also fuze (fused; also fuzed; fusing; also fuzing) Date: 1802 to equip with a fuse