Definition

Noun: 1. A fuse designed to burn for a predetermined duration: A time-fuse is a type of fuse, typically a cord or tube containing combustible material, engineered to ignite and burn at a specific, controlled rate. Its primary purpose is to delay an action, most commonly the detonation of an explosive device, for a precise amount of time after activation.

Usage

The term "time-fuse" is a technical compound noun. It is used to specify a type of fuse distinguished by its timing function, as opposed to other fuses triggered by impact or proximity. * The bomb disposal unit identified the device as being triggered by a time-fuse. * Before the era of electronic timers, many explosives relied on a simple but effective time-fuse.

Advanced Usage

• The concept can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or process with a built-in, inevitable delay before a significant event occurs.
  • The controversial policy acted as a time-fuse, with public outrage exploding months after its implementation.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuse (noun): The general term for a cord or device designed to ignite an explosive.
• Delay fuse (noun): A near-synonym emphasizing the delayed-action function.
• Timer (noun): A more modern and general device for measuring intervals of time, which can be mechanical or electronic.

Synonyms

• Delay fuse
• Timed fuse

Antonyms

• Instantaneous fuse
• Impact fuse
• Proximity fuse

Noun

1. a fuse made to burn for a given time (especially to explode a bomb)