Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that initiates the burning of an explosive charge: A fuze is a mechanical, electrical, or chemical component designed to start the detonation or ignition of a projectile, bomb, or explosive at a specific time or under specific conditions.

Usage

• The word "fuze" is a technical term primarily used in military, pyrotechnic, and explosive contexts. It refers to the component that makes an explosive device functional by triggering its main charge.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The bomb disposal expert carefully disabled the fuze.
  • The artillery shell's fuze was set to detonate on impact.
  • A faulty fuze caused the firework to malfunction.

Advanced Usage

• "To fuze" (verb, rare): To equip or fit with a fuze. This usage is less common and often spelled identically to the noun.
  • The technicians will fuze the ordnance before deployment.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuse (alternative spelling): In many contexts, especially non-technical or general English, "fuse" is the more common spelling for both the explosive device and the electrical safety device. However, in precise military and explosives terminology, "fuze" is often used to distinguish the explosive initiator from an electrical fuse.
• Detonator: A device used to trigger an explosive charge. While similar, a detonator is often a component a fuze system or a simpler initiating device.
• Igniter: A general term for any device that starts combustion, which can be a component of a fuze.

Synonyms

• Igniter: A device that initiates burning.
• Primer: A device or compound that initiates an explosive reaction.
• Blasting cap: A small explosive device used to detonate a larger charge.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Not applicable: The word "fuze" is a technical noun and is not commonly used to form standard English phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• Not applicable: There are no common idioms in general English that use the technical term "fuze."

Noun

1. any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant