wire

¹wire

noun, often attributive \ˈwī(-ə)r\

Definition of WIRE

1

a : metal in the form of a usually very flexible thread or slender rod

b : a thread or rod of such material

2

a : wirework

b : the meshwork of parallel or woven wire on which the wet web of paper forms

3

: something (as a thin plant stem) that is wirelike

4

plural

a : a system of wires used to operate the puppets in a puppet show

b : hidden influences controlling the action of a person or organization

5

a : a line of wire for conducting electric current — compare cord 3b

b : a telephone or telegraph wire or system; especially : wire service

c : telegram, cablegram

6

: fencing or a fence of usually barbed wire

7

a : the finish line of a race

b : the final decisive moment (as of a contest) <the negotiations came down to the wire>

8

: wirehair

— wire·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— under the wire

1

: at the finish line

2

: at the last moment

— wire to wire or from wire to wire

: from start to finish <led the race wire to wire>

Examples of WIRE

1. The flowers were bound together with thin wire.
2. There was a wire sticking out of the chair.
3. A telephone wire had fallen on the road during the storm.
4. A short black wire connects the computer's monitor to its keyboard.
5. The undercover officer wore a wire to her meeting with the drug dealer.

Origin of WIRE

Middle English, from Old English wīr; akin to Old High German wiara fine gold work, Latin viēre to plait, and probably to Greek iris rainbow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WIRE

Synonyms

cable, lace, lacing, line, rope, string, cord

Related Words

guy, halyard, lanyard, stay; bungee cord, whipcord

²wire

verb

wiredwir·ing

Definition of WIRE

transitive verb

1

: to provide with wire : use wire on for a specific purpose

2

: to send or send word to by telegraph

3

: to connect by or as if by a wire

4

: to predispose, determine, or establish genetically or innately <controversy over the extent to which human violence is wired biologically>

intransitive verb

: to send a telegraphic message

— wir·er \ˈwī(-ə)r-ər\ noun

Examples of WIRE

1. The house will be wired next week.
2. My room is wired for cable.
3. The microphone is wired to the speaker.
4. You can wire the generator to a car battery.
5. Her jaw was wired shut after the accident.
6. She wired the money home to Canada.
7. Can you wire me $300?
8. When you get in to town, wire me.

First Known Use of WIRE

15th century

Rhymes with WIRE

briar, choir, fire, gyre, hire, ire, mire, prior, sire, spire, squire, tier, tire

wire

noun \ˈwī(ə)r\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of WIRE

: metal thread or a rod used in surgery to suture soft tissue or transfix fractured bone and in orthodontic dentistry to position teeth

—wire transitive verb, wired; wir·ing