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wire

Pronunciation: /wʌɪə/
Translate wire | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of wire

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] metal drawn out into the form of a thin flexible thread or rod: a coil of copper wire [as modifier]:a wire coat hanger
  • [count noun] a length or quantity of wire used to carry an electric current, for fencing, etc..
  • (usually the wire) North American Horse Racing a wire stretched across and above the start and finish of a racecourse.
  • 2an electronic listening device that can be concealed on a person: an undercover police informer who was wearing a wire
  • 3 informal, chiefly North American a telegram or cablegram.

verb

[with object]
  • 1install electric circuits or wires in:wiring a plug electricians wired up searchlights
  • connect (someone or something) to a piece of electronic equipment:a microphone wired to a loudspeaker
  • 2provide, fasten, or reinforce with wires:they wired his jaw
  • 3 informal, chiefly North American send a telegram or cablegram to:she wired her friend for advice
  • [with two objects] send (money) to (someone) by means of a telegram or cablegram:he was expecting a friend in Australia to wire him $1,500
  • 4snare (an animal) with wire.
  • 5 Croquet obstruct (a ball, shot, or player) by a hoop.

Phrases

by wire

by telegraph: he conducted business by wire

down to the wire

informal used to denote a situation whose outcome is not decided until the very last minute:it was probable that the test of nerves would go down to the wire

get one's wires crossed

see cross.

under the wire

North American informal at the last possible opportunity; just in time:the team got into the playoffs just under the wire

wire-to-wire

North American informal from start to finish: he may not have what it takes to lead from wire-to-wire

Derivatives

wirer

noun

Origin:

Old English wīr; of Germanic origin, probably from the base of Latin viere 'plait, weave'

wire in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of wire in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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