safety fuse
1
4.2
- noun
- /ˈseɪfti fjuːz/
- Archaic
- The safety fuse was lit, giving the workers time to retreat before the blast.
Examples
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Miners rely on the safety fuse to ensure detonations occur at a safe distance.
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Before using explosives, always check that the safety fuse is properly installed.
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The technician replaced the safety fuse before starting the experiment.
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A safety fuse is crucial for handling explosives.
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The construction workers used a safety fuse to ensure a safe distance while detonating the explosives.
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To avoid accidents, always make sure the safety fuse is properly connected before starting the detonation process.
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When preparing for a blast, the safety fuse must be checked for any damage to ensure it will ignite correctly.
Synonyms
28
6.1
A cord filled with burning material used to light explosives
5
4.6
A device that makes a flame to start fuel burning
1
9.9
A small part that starts the burning of explosive material in a shell or rocket
1
8.4
A small burning part set to burn for a fixed time before a bomb or shell explodes
1
6.7
A small device that makes a spark or flame to light fuel
1
9.9
A cord soaked to burn slowly used to light guns or cannons
A small device that starts the burning of explosives or fireworks
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a simple modifier+head compound where 'safety' describes the purpose of the 'fuse' (i.e., a fuse designed to provide safety or safe ignition). A B1 learner who knows 'safety' and 'fuse' can reasonably infer it refers to a fuse used to make ignition safer (a slow-burning or safety-designed fuse); the composition is literal and cross-linguistically common.
Etymology
Safety fuse is a slow-burning cord called a fuse that you light to carry fire from a distance and 'give time' for people to move to a 'safe distance', so it makes using explosives safer.