proximity fuse

noun

: a fuse for a projectile that uses the principle of radar to detect the presence of a target within the projectile's effective range

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And finally if the missile got too close, the system’s last line of defense would attempt to defeat its proximity fuse. David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 28 Oct. 2020 New ammunition with proximity fuses is being developed to counter swarms of small armed boats, exploding in the air and peppering hostile, speedboat-sized ships with lethal shrapnel. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 19 June 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proximity fuse was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near proximity fuse

Cite this Entry

“Proximity fuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity%20fuse. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

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