- wire
- noun1》 metal drawn out into a thin flexible thread or rod.↘a length or quantity of wire used for fencing, to carry an electric current, etc.↘(usu. the wire) N. Amer. Horse Racing a wire stretched across and above the start and finish of a racecourse.2》 a concealed electronic listening device.3》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a telegram or cablegram.verb1》 install electric circuits or wires in.2》 provide, fasten, or reinforce with wire.3》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. send a telegram or cablegram to.↘send (money) to (someone) by such means.4》 snare with wire.5》 Croquet obstruct (a ball, shot, or player) by a hoop.Phrasesby wire by telegraph.down to the wire informal until the very last minute.under the wire N. Amer. informal just in time.wire-to-wire N. Amer. informal from start to finish.Derivativeswirer nounOriginOE wīr; of Gmc origin, prob. from the base of L. viere 'plait, weave'.
English new terms dictionary. 2014.