fuse
Plural
fuses
1
an electrical device that is used to stop or control the flow of current in a circuit in case it is too strong
- The fuse blew when too many appliances were plugged in.
- Always replace a burnt fuse with one of the same rating.
- The fuse box is located in the basement.
- A short circuit can cause a fuse to rupture.
- Modern homes often use circuit breakers instead of fuses.
Synonyms:
2
a cord, wire, or other igniting device designed to initiate the controlled burning of explosives, fireworks, or propellants
- The demolition team lit the fuse and retreated to a safe distance.
- Fireworks are dangerous if the fuse burns too quickly.
- The fuse on the dynamite was cut too short, causing an early explosion.
- He carefully attached the fuse to the rocket's propulsion system.
- Historical cannons used slow-burning fuses to ignite gunpowder.