fuse
UK: fjuːz | US: fjuːz
n. a safety device that breaks an electrical circuit if the current exceeds a safe level
vt. to join or blend by melting together
vi. to become combined or united through melting or merging
The word "fuse" traces back to the Latin fusus, the past participle of fundere ("to pour"). Its earliest usage referred to melting metals (e.g., for casting), later expanding to electrical safety devices (19th century) that "melt" to interrupt circuits. The verb form retained the original sense of blending through heat. The silent "e" reflects its Romance language roots, preserved in English spelling.
The fuse blew when too many appliances were plugged in.
Glassblowers fuse sand and other materials to create art.
The two companies plan to fuse their operations next year.
Heat is required to fuse the wires together securely.
Cultural traditions often fuse over time, creating new practices.