fuse1

verb

• 1 [with object] join or blend to form a single entity:intermarriage had fused the families into a large unit
• [no object] (of groups of atoms or cellular structures) join or coalesce: the two nuclei move together and fuse into one nucleus [with object]:attempts to fuse nuclei together
• melt (a material or object) with intense heat so as to join it with something else:powdered glass was fused to a metal base [no object]:when fired in a special kiln, the metals fused on to the pot

• 2 [no object] British (of an electrical appliance) stop working when a fuse melts:the crew were left in darkness after the lights fused
• [with object] cause (an electrical appliance) to stop working when a fuse melts: he will fuse the entire lighting system of the camp

• 3 [with object] provide (a circuit or electrical appliance) with a fuse: (as adjective fused)a fused plug

noun

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