re-fuse
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To melt again; to fuse anew: "re-fuse" means to melt or fuse something a second time, often in a metallurgical or industrial context. This is distinct from the verb "refuse" (to decline), which has a different pronunciation and meaning.
- Note: The hyphenated form "re-fuse" clarifies that this is a compound of the prefix "re-" (again) and the verb "fuse" (to melt), not the common word "refuse."
Usage Examples
- (The pieces were melted together again.)
- (The metal was melted a second time.)
- (The gold was melted again for purification.)
Advanced Usage
"to re-fuse a circuit": In electrical engineering, to reconnect or rejoin a fuse element that has blown.
- The technician had to re-fuse the broken wire to restore power. (The wire was melted back together.)
"re-fusion" (noun): the act or process of melting again.
- The re-fusion of the scrap metal saved the company money. (The process of melting again.)
Variants and Related Words
Re-fused (past participle): having been melted again.
- The re-fused glass showed no signs of bubbles. (The glass that was melted again.)
Re-fusing (present participle): the act of melting again.
- He is currently re-fusing the old silverware. (He is melting the silverware again.)
Synonyms
- Remelt: to melt again.
- Reforged: to shape again by heating and hammering (often for metal).
- Recast: to melt and cast again (especially for metal or glass).
Related Idioms