fusion

noun

fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhᵊn How to pronounce fusion (audio)
often attributive
1
: the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat
2
: a union by or as if by melting: such as
a
: a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole
Opera is a fusion of several arts.
b
: a political partnership : coalition
a fusion of Democrats and independent RepublicansNew York Times
c
: popular music combining different styles (such as jazz and rock)
d
: food prepared using techniques and ingredients of two or more ethnic or regional cuisines
a restaurant that specializes in Indian-Chinese fusion

called also fusion cuisine

3
: the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite
nuclear fusion

Examples of fusion in a Sentence

a fusion of different methods a fusion of musical styles The show is a fusion of news and entertainment. The fusion of different cultural influences is evident in her sculpture.
Recent Examples on the Web To create the look, which was a fusion of the two, Hathaway wore a platinum blonde wig, white face makeup, black paint around her eyes, and dark red lipstick. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 In May 2023, Science for America issued a report that flagged progress in fusion, citing recent breakthroughs. Steven Levy, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024 The sisters may have different styles, and the brand is a fusion of both. Violet Goldstone, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024 The collection is a gorgeous fusion of J.Crew’s and Christopher John Rogers’ design sensibilities. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fusion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin fūsiōn-, fūsiō "process of pouring, casting of molten metal," going back to Latin, "process of pouring, effusion," from fud-, variant stem of fundere "to pour, shed, cast (liquid metal)" (Medieval Latin also, "to melt down, make liquid") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at found entry 5

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fusion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fusion

Cite this Entry

“Fusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fusion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

fusion

noun
fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce fusion (audio)
1
: the act or process of melting or making fluid by heat
2
: union by or as if by melting
3
: the union of light atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy

Medical Definition

fusion

noun
fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce fusion (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat
b
: the liquid or plastic state induced by heat
2
: a union by or as if by melting together: as
a
: a merging of diverse elements into a unified whole
specifically : the blending of retinal images in binocular vision
b
: a combination of ingredients achieved by heating and mixing together
c
(1)
: a blend of sensations, perceptions, ideas, or attitudes such that the component elements can seldom be identified by introspective analysis
(2)
: the perception of light from a source that is intermittent above a critical frequency as if the source were continuous

called also flicker fusion

compare flicker
d
: the surgical immobilization of a joint see spinal fusion
3
: the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite

called also nuclear fusion

fusional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fusion

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