tube

noun

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\ ˈtüb

, ˈtyüb \

Definition of tube

1 : any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: such as

a : a hollow elongated cylinder especially : one to convey fluids

b : a soft tubular container whose contents (such as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing

c(1) : tunnel

(2) British : subway sense b

d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument

2a : a slender channel (such 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

4a : 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

down the tube or down the tubes

: into a state of collapse or deterioration

Other Words from tube Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing tube Learn More About tube

Other Words from tube

tubed \ ˈtübd

, ˈtyübd \ adjective

tubelike \ ˈtüb-ˌlīk

, ˈtyüb- \ adjective

Examples of tube in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web All 15 of these tube-frame terror machines include four carbon helmets and synthetic upholstery from the company's speedboat interiors. — Clifford Atiyeh, Car and Driver, 7 May 2022 Then, Harry Beck created a tube map of the Underground that used brightly colored, straight lines and clearly labeled stops. — Olga V. Mack, Forbes, 6 May 2022 The Ukrainian Ground Forces have a considerable number of artillery, both traditional tube and rocket artillery. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 5 May 2022 An open tube of golden brunette hair dye lay on the sink, near a disposable glove stained with the dye’s residue. — Longreads, 5 May 2022 The set also includes a tube of the brand's hyaluronic acid-rich Gel Primer, the NuFace Fix for fine lines around the lips and eyes, and the Fix Serum. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 2 May 2022 Salt River Tubing opens Saturday, April 30, and tube rentals cost $21 plus tax, which includes shuttle bus service through 6:30 p.m. — Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, 29 Apr. 2022 Honest Beauty packaged a lash primer and mascara in one tube with dual ends to take the guesswork out of getting ready each day. — ELLE, 29 Apr. 2022 By inserting a new tube into the baby's airway, doctors were able to restore his breathing and heartbeat. — Mark Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tube.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near tube

tub desk

tube

tube cell

Statistics for tube

Last Updated

9 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tube. Accessed 18 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for tube

tube

noun

\ ˈtüb

, ˈtyüb \

Kids Definition of tube

1 : a long hollow cylinder used especially to carry fluids

2 : a long soft container whose contents (as toothpaste or glue) can be removed by squeezing

3 : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct

4 : a hollow cylinder of rubber inside a tire to hold air

5 : electron tube

6 : television sense 2

tube

noun

\ ˈt(y)üb

Medical Definition of tube

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct — see bronchial tube, eustachian tube, fallopian tube

2a : an often complex piece of laboratory or technical apparatus usually of glass and commonly serving to isolate or convey a product of reaction a distillation tube

b : test tube

3 : a soft tubular container whose contents (as toothpaste) can be dispensed by squeezing

4 : a hollow cylindrical device (as a cannula) used for insertion into bodily passages or hollow organs for removal or injection of materials

tube

transitive verb

tubed; tubing

Medical Definition of tube (Entry 2 of 2)

: to furnish with, enclose in, or pass through a tube the patient is then anesthetized … and tubed — Anesthesia Digest