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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Wire Meaning: Definition, Examples & Uses (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：thin metal strand (wire)

wire 🔊

/ˈwaɪər/

n./v.

A very thin, long piece of metal that can bend easily.

Close-up of thin metal wire being bent with pliers on workbench

thin metal strand 🔊

➕

/θɪn ˈmɛtəl strænd/

n./v.

A flexible, thin piece of metal, often used for fastening, conducting electricity, or making shapes.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wīr', meaning metal thread, related to Proto-Germanic *wīrą.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a 'wire' as a 'wiry' line that you can twist and tie without breaking.

📖 Example

My mom used a piece of wire to fix the stem of her favorite flower in the vase. 🔊 My mom used a piece of wire to fix the stem of her favorite flower in the vase.

🔗 Collocations

copper wire – a wire made of copper, good for conducting electricity

wire cutter – a tool used to cut wires

barbed wire – a type of wire with sharp points, used for fences

🔄 Synonyms

cable (n.) – a strong wire or bundle of wires, used for mechanical or electrical purposes

filament (n.) – a very thin thread-like wire, like in a light bulb

strand (n.) – a single thin length of wire or thread

🌱 Derivatives

wiry (adj.) – resembling wire; thin and flexible

wireless (adj./n.) – without wires; radio communication

wiretapping (n.) – listening secretly to phone conversations

📖 Cultural Story

In the 1800s, 'wire' entered everyday language with the telegraph. Sending a 'wire' meant sending a telegram, leading to 'wire transfer' and 'wiretapping'.

Meaning 2：electrical wiring system (wire)

wire 🔊

/ˈwaɪər/

n./v.

The system of wires for electricity or a message sent using this system; to connect with wires or to send money/messages electronically.

Electrical plug connected to wall socket with power wire visible

electrical wiring system 🔊

➕

/ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl ˈwaɪərɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/

n./v.

The network of wires that carry electricity in a building or device, or the act of sending money or messages via electronic means.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

We need to check the old wire behind the TV; the picture keeps flickering. 🔊 We need to check the old wire behind the TV; the picture keeps flickering.

🔗 Collocations

wire transfer – an electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another

live wire – a wire that is carrying electric current; also a lively person

wiretap – to secretly listen to someone's phone calls by connecting to the wire

🔄 Synonyms

cable (n.) – a set of wires protected by an outer cover, used for transmitting electricity or signals

circuit (n.) – a complete path for electric current, often made with wires

telegraph (n./v.) – a historical system sending messages over wires

🚫 Antonyms

wireless (adj./n.) – using radio waves instead of wires; not connected by wire

insulator (n.) – a material that prevents the flow of electricity

🌱 Derivatives

wiring (n.) – the system of wires in a building or device

wired (adj.) – connected using wires; also meaning excited or nervous

wireless (adj./n.) – related to radio communication without wires