■ noun
1》 metal drawn out into a thin flexible thread or rod.
↘a length or quantity of ~ used for fencing, to carry an electric current, etc.
↘(usu. the ~ ) N. Amer. Horse Racing a ~ stretched across and above the start and finish of a racecourse.
2》 a concealed electronic listening device.
3》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a telegram or cablegram.
■ verb
1》 install electric circuits or ~s in.
2》 provide, fasten, or reinforce with ~.
3》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. send a telegram or cablegram to.
↘send (money) to (someone) by such means.
4》 snare with ~.
5》 Croquet obstruct (a ball, shot, or player) by a hoop.
Phrases
by ~ by telegraph.
down to the ~ informal until the very last minute.
under the ~ N. Amer. informal just in time.
~-to-~ N. Amer. informal from start to finish.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
OE wīr ; of Gmc origin, prob. from the base of L. viere 'plait, weave'.