fusion

noun

fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhᵊn 

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 Republicans

—New 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

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• combination
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture
• synthesis

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

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

Phrases Containing fusion

• nuclear fusion

Kids Definition

fusion

noun

fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhən 

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 

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

-ᵊl 

adjective