Definition

1. Noun:
   • A protective electrical device: A safety fuse is an electrical component designed to break an electrical circuit by melting when the current exceeds a safe level, thereby preventing damage or fire.
   • A slow-burning igniting cord: A safety fuse is a length of cord or tube containing a core of combustible material, designed to burn at a controlled, predictable rate to safely ignite an explosive charge from a distance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Electrical Device):

  • The appliance stopped working because the safety fuse blew.
  • Always replace a blown safety fuse with one of the correct amperage.

• Noun (Igniting Cord):

  • The miner lit the safety fuse and retreated to a safe distance.
  • A safety fuse provides a reliable delay before detonation.

Advanced Usage

• "To blow a fuse": This idiom, derived from the electrical safety fuse, means to lose one's temper suddenly.
  • He blew a fuse when he saw the mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuse (n/v): The general term for a device that interrupts current or a cord that ignites explosives; also the act of melting or joining.
• Circuit breaker (n): An automatic switch that serves a similar protective function as an electrical fuse but can be reset.
• Detonator (n): A device containing a small explosive charge, used to trigger a larger explosion, often ignited by a safety fuse.

Synonyms

• Electrical sense: Cutout, overcurrent protector.
• Explosives sense: Ignition cord, time fuse.

Related Phrases

• "To have a short fuse": An idiom meaning to be quick to anger.
  • Be careful what you say; he has a very short fuse.

Related Idioms

• "On a short fuse": In a situation that is tense and likely to escalate quickly.
  • Negotiations were on a short fuse after the new demands were made.

Noun

1. an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded
2. a slow-burning fuse consisting of a tube or cord filled or saturated with combustible matter; used to ignite detonators from a distance