tube

tube

noun \ˈtüb, ˈtyüb\

Definition of TUBE

1

: any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: as a : a hollow elongated cylinder; especially : one to convey fluids b : a soft tubular container whose contents (as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing c (1) : tunnel (2) British : subway b d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument

2

a : a slender channel (as a fallopian tube or a pollen tube) within a plant or animal body : duct b : the narrow basal portion of a corolla with united petals or a calyx with united sepals

3

: inner tube

4

a : electron tube; especially : vacuum tube b : cathode-ray tube; especially : a television picture tube c : television

5

: an article of clothing shaped like a tube <a tube top> <tube socks>

— tubed \ˈtübd, ˈtyübd\ adjective

— tube·like \ˈtüb-ˌlīk, ˈtyüb-\ adjective

— down the tube or down the tubes

: into a state of collapse or deterioration

Examples of TUBE

1. She was breathing oxygen through a tube.
2. <watched the liquid move through the tube between the flasks and recorded the movement in his chemistry notebook>

Origin of TUBE

French, from Latin tubus; akin to Latin tuba trumpet

First Known Use: 1651

Related to TUBE

Synonyms: channel, conduit, duct, leader, line, penstock, trough, pipe

Related Words: drain, drainpipe, funnel, hydrant, main, smokestack, spout, standpipe, stovepipe, tile, waste pipe, waterspout; pipage (or pipeage), pipeline, piping

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Rhymes with TUBE

boob, cube, lube, rube