fusion

The word “fusion” means the act or result of combining separate things into one. In plain terms, a blending or merging of two or more things — from atomic nuclei in physics to flavors in cooking.

“Fusion” is pronounced FYOO-zhuhn (/ˈfjuː.ʒən/ in IPA).

Here is “fusion” used in a sentence: “The merger created a fusion of two very different corporate cultures.”

The opposite of “fusion” — its antonyms — is fission.

“Fusion” is a noun.

The word “fusion” comes from Latin. From Latin fusio, from fundere ("to pour" or "to melt") — the same root that gives us "found" (as in metal-founding).

“Fusion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

“Fusion” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or result of combining separate things into one.

Fusion is a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei combine into one, releasing a huge amount of energy, while fission is the opposite process, in which a nucleus splits apart. Fusion is the reaction that powers the sun; fission is the reaction used in today's nuclear power stations.

Fusion cuisine is a style of cooking that blends ingredients or techniques from different culinary traditions, such as pairing Japanese and Peruvian dishes on one menu. The same idea applies in music, where fusion blends elements of different genres into a new style.

Use fusion when separate things merge so completely that they form a single new whole, and mixture when the parts are combined but remain distinguishable. Fusion also carries a more deliberate, creative connotation, which is why it is the preferred word in cooking and music.