Why is melting called fusion ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminology of "fusion" in relation to "melting," exploring the etymological roots and implications of the term in different contexts, including chemistry and other fields. The scope includes conceptual clarification and etymological exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the appropriateness of the term "fusion" for melting, noting that molecules are moving apart rather than fusing together.
  • Another participant provides a link to a definition, suggesting acceptance of the term as it is.
  • A third participant shares insights on the etymology of "fusion," linking it to the Latin "fundere," and discusses how the term retains different meanings in chemistry and other contexts.
  • One participant expresses surprise at the definition of "fusion," indicating a lack of prior knowledge on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of the term "fusion" for melting, with some accepting the term as it is while others express confusion about its implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the potential for varying interpretations of the term "fusion" based on context, as well as the dependence on etymological roots that may not align with contemporary usage.

northernbear
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why is "melting" called "fusion"?

any idea why is "melting" called "fusion"?

molecules during melting are moving farther apart, they are not "fusing" together. It seems counterintuitive to call "melting" "fusion"
 
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thank you! I can now sleep better, haha
i see the etymology stems from Latin "fundere," to "pour to melt" "melting together"
i guess, in chemistry, fusion retained the "melting" aspect of its roots, whereas other uses of the word, such as nuclear fusion, jazz fusion, retained the "bringing things together" aspect of the root
"fondu" has retained both the "melting" and the "mixing together" meanings of the word
thanks again
 


I'd actually never seen that definition of the word before...
 

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