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 Learn More about tube

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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 On some of the best telescopes for the money, there’s an optical tube rather than a lens and a series of mirrors. — Bob Beacham, chicagotribune.com, "The best telescope for the money," 9 Apr. 2021 In the days thereafter, Perseverance will potentially scoop its first samples on Mars and leave its first cigar-sized tube on the surface—small caches designed to be picked up by a future sample return mission, to be brought back to Earth. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Scientific American, "The First 100 Days on Mars: How NASA’s Perseverance Rover Will Begin Its Mission," 18 Feb. 2021 In some cases, his patients really can’t breathe, like if their ventilator tube becomes disconnected. — al, "“This is war. This is the fight right now,” says Alabama COVID-19 nurse," 25 Dec. 2020 On July 21, the doctors attempted to downsize his tracheotomy tube, and as soon as his old one was removed his heart stopped for 28 minutes. — Jade Mcdowell, oregonlive, "After 78 days in the hospital, COVID-19 survivor remembers it all started with a ‘little cough’," 21 Dec. 2020 The nature of submarine warfare means nobody ever sees the torpedo tube mechanism and the torpedo ejected from its tube. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Watch a Submarine Launch a Torpedo—From the Torpedo's POV," 2 Dec. 2020 Its modest 42mm objective lens allows for low-profile mounting, and the ample dimensions of its 30mm tube give it the versatility to mount on a wide variety of rifles, including bolt guns with magnum actions. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, "Outdoor Life Editors’ Holiday Gift Guide," 20 Nov. 2020 Is Cloud Paint seriously as good as its painfully cute tube would lead you to believe? — Lindsay Schallon, Glamour, "The Best Glossier Products Actually Worth Your Money," 15 Oct. 2020 Your teammate can cast a fire wall to herd opponents into your lightning death tube. — Cecilia D'anastasio, Wired, "Spellbreak Conjures Up a Unique Spin on Battle Royale," 16 Sep. 2020

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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Last Updated

15 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tube. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for tube

tube

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tube

: a long, hollow object that is used especially to control the flow of a liquid or gas

: an object shaped like a pipe

: a soft, long, narrow container that has a small opening at one end and that contains a soft material which can be pushed out by squeezing

See the full definition for tube in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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

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