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plug fuse

plug fuse

6.4
A small safety device that screws into a socket to stop too much electricity
  • noun
  • /plʌg fjuːz/
  • Archaic
translation icon : fusible de enchufe
  • The electrician recommended replacing the old plug fuse with a modern circuit breaker.

Examples

  • Many older homes still have plug fuses in their fuse boxes.

  • Before working on the wiring, she made sure to remove the plug fuse from its socket.

  • I need to replace the plug fuse in the lamp.

  • The electrician checked the plug fuses in the circuit box.

  • Before working on the wiring, she made sure to remove the plug fuse from its socket.

  • Many older homes still have plug fuses in their fuse boxes.

  • The electrician checked the plug fuses to ensure they were functioning properly.

Synonyms

fuse
vsplug fuse
  • Specialized
54 4.4

A safety wire that melts to stop electricity when current is too high

is a particular kind that screws into a socket with a threaded body
safety fuse
vsplug fuse
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A small device in an electrical circuit that stops the electric current when it becomes too strong

is a specific form with a screw-in threaded body for circuit protection
electrical fuse
vsplug fuse
  • Specialized
3.0

A small part with a thin wire that melts to stop dangerous electric current

is a specific version with a threaded body that screws into a socket

How Large

switchboard
  • Archaic
27 6.8
subpanel
  • Specialized
5.1
plug fuse
  • Archaic
6.4

Surface Forms

plug fuse singular
plug fuses plural

Morphology

plug + fuse

The meaning 'a fuse that plugs into a socket' is directly and compositionally derived from 'plug' (something inserted into a socket) combined with 'fuse' (a protective element). This noun-noun compound follows a straightforward modifier-head pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Plug fuse is named for how it looks and works: a small fuse that you plug into a socket and screw in. That's why the term refers to a fuse used to protect the wiring from too much electricity.