Main Entry: ¹wire

Pronunciation: \ˈwī(-ə)r\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: 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

Date: before 12th century

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>