n.
Pronunciation: ' w ī (- ə )r
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English w ī r; akin to Old High German wiara fine gold work, Latin vi ē re to plait, and probably to Greek iris rainbow
Date: before 12th century
1 a : metal in the form of a usually very flexible thread or slender rod b : a thread or rod of such material
2 a : WIREWORK b : the meshwork of parallel or woven wire on which the wet web of paper forms
3 : something (as a thin plant stem) that is wirelike
4 plural a : a system of wires used to operate the puppets in a puppet show b : hidden influences controlling the action of a person or organization
5 a : a line of wire for conducting electric current ― compare CORD 3b b : a telephone or telegraph wire or system especially : WIRE SERVICE c : TELEGRAM , CABLEGRAM
6 : fencing or a fence of usually barbed wire
7 a : the finish line of a race b : the final decisive moment (as of a contest) <the negotiations came down to the wire >
8 : WIREHAIR
– wire · like \ - ˌ l ī k \ adjective
– under the wire
1 : at the finish line
2 : at the last moment
– wire to wire or from wire to wire : from start to finish <led the race wire to wire >