Wire Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/waɪr/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A length of thin, flexible cord, especially one made of metal or plastic, used for transmitting electrical signals or for conducting electricity.

Examples

The electrician attached the wires to the circuit board.
The alarm system required a wire to connect it to the power source.
Soldering the wires together was a tricky task.
The phone cord had a wire that needed to be replaced.
The construction site had a mess of wires and cables strewn about.
The phone company was replacing the old copper wires with fiber optic cables.

Synonyms

Cable
Fiber

Antonyms

Disconnect
Rupture

Additional Information

Wires are often used to transmit electricity, communication signals, or data. They can be insulated or sheathed to protect them from external factors, such as moisture or abrasion. Wires can also be used to connect electronic devices, transfer energy, or provide a path for electrical current.

Etymology

The word “wire” comes from the Old English word “wyrre,” meaning “to twist” or “to turn.” Over time, the word evolved to describe a length of twisted metal or other materials.

Usage Notes

The word “wire” is often used in technical contexts to refer to specific applications or technologies, such as computer networking, electrical wiring, or telecommunications.

Cultural References

The wire has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, film, and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Wire-related idioms include “to get in a bind” (to become entangled or trapped), “to be on the same wire” (to have a shared experience or understanding), and “to be wired” (to have a particular personality or temperament).

Related Words or Phrases

Related words and phrases include “cable,” “fiber,” “wireless,” and “electrical.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the word “wire” include “wireless,” “wired,” “wireless network,” and “wire cutter.”

Frequency of Use

The word “wire” is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including technical, literary, and everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “wire” include “wiree,” “wier,” and “wierre.”