Fuzing

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The process of safely assembling or activating the ignition device in explosives or munitions ; combining or joining elements closely, especially in chemistry or metalworking ; merging or blending components into a unified whole
2. Securing or setting up a detonator in bombs or explosives ; chemically or physically joining substances at high temperature or under pressure ; integrating parts or concepts into a coherent mixture or system
3. Equipping or arming a projectile with a trigger mechanism to initiate explosion ; melting or bonding materials to create a fusion ; uniting disparate pieces to form a single entity or compound

Etymology: "Fuzing" is simply the present participle and gerund of "fuze," the spelling of a verb that means to fit or set a detonator on an explosive device. The American spelling "fuzing" (with a single "z" and no "e" before the "-ing") keeps the same meaning as the British "fusing," which is the more widely used form in British English. Both spellings are accepted variants, and the verb has taken on the extended senses of joining materials by heat or pressure and blending parts into one coherent whole, which are the meanings listed above.

Synonyms: detonating, igniting, triggering, arming, activating

Antonyms: defusing, disarming, deactivating