wire
Definitions
General English
General Science
- noun a thin metal filament, often one carrying electric current
- verb to install wiring in a place
- verb to control a function in the body by means of a neurological or physiological structure or process
Aviation
- noun metal drawn out into the form of a thread or string
Computing
- verb to install wiring in something
Electronics
- A single metallic strand, thread, or rod which is flexible and usually has a circular cross section.
- A wire (1) which serves as an electric conductor. Such a wire may or may not have insulation. Also called electric wire.
- One or more wires (1) bundled together and encased by a protective sheath. The contained conductors are insulated from each other. Also called cable (1).
- To lay cables or connect components, devices, and equipment utilizing wires.
- An open telephone connection.
- To send a message via telegraph. Also, to send a message over a network using wires or cables.
- A message sent via wire (6).
- To connect electrical components and devices directly with wires or cables, as opposed to utilizing intervening switches or radio links. Also called hard-wire (1).
Military
- noun a cord-like material made of metal
Publishing
- noun a small metal staple, used for binding
Travel
- noun a thin metal line or thread
Astronomy
- acronym forWide-Field Infrared Explorer (written as WIRE)
Origin & History of “wire”
Wire probably goes back ultimately to the Indo-European base *wi- ‘plait’. Related forms in other Germanic languages have now largely died out. The adjective wireless is first recorded in 1894 (in the term wireless telephone); its use as a noun dates from around 1903.
