n.
- 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.
- a concealed electronic listening device.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. a telegram or cablegram.
v.
- install electric circuits or wires in.
- provide, fasten, or reinforce with wire.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. send a telegram or cablegram to.
▸send (money) to (someone) by such means.
- snare with wire.
- Croquet obstruct (a ball, shot, or player) by a hoop.
Phrase
- by 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.
Derivative
Etymology
OE wīr; of Gmc origin, prob. from the base of L. viere ‘plait, weave’.