1. Liquefaction, as by melting by heat. 2. Union, as by joining together; e.g., bone f.. 3. The blending of slightly different images from each eye into a single perception. 4. The joining of two or more adjacent teeth during their development by a dentinal union. SEE ALSO: concrescence. 5. Joining of two genes, often neighboring genes. 6. The joining of two bones into a single unit, thereby obliterating motion between the two. 7. The process in which two membranes are joined together. [L. fusio, a pouring, fr. fundo, pp. fusus, to pour]
- bone block f. a method of fusing two bones in which a block of bone graft is placed between the two surfaces to obtain f. and correct preexisting deformity.
- cell f. the merging of the contents of two cells by artificial means without the destruction of either, resulting in a heterokaryon that, for at least a few generations, will reproduce its kind; an important method in assignment of loci to chromosomes.
- centric f. SYN: robertsonian translocation.
- nuclear f. the formation of more complex atomic nuclei from less complex nuclei with release of energy, as in the formation of helium nuclei from hydrogen nuclei (hydrogen f.).
- spinal f., spine f. an operative procedure to accomplish bony ankylosis between two or more vertebrae. SYN: spondylosyndesis, vertebral f..
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fu·sion 'fyü-zhən n, often attrib
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 specif 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
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
fu·sion·al -əl adj
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n.
the joining together of two structures. For example, the surgical fusion of two or more vertebra is performed to stabilize an unstable spine. Fusion of the epiphysis during growth is the cause of arrested growth of stature.
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fu·sion (fuґzhən) [L. fusio] 1. the act, process, or result of melting. 2. merging or coherence of adjacent parts or bodies. 3. coordination of separate images of the same object in the two eyes into one. 4. operative formation of an ankylosis or arthrodesis; called also f. of joint.Medical dictionary. 2011.