Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
FUSE
I. verb (fused; fusing) see: found
Date: 1592
transitive verb to reduce to a liquid or plastic state by heat, to blend thoroughly by or as if by melting together ; combine , to stitch by applying heat and pressure with or without the use of an adhesive, intransitive verb
1. to become fluid with heat, to fail because of the blowing of a fuse, to become blended or joined by or as if by melting together, 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
a continuous train of a combustible substance enclosed in a cord or cable for setting off an explosive charge by transmitting fire to it, 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