[wire] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE wir; akin to OHG wiara fine gold work, L viere to plait, and prob. to Gk iris rainbow] (bef. 12c) 1 a: metal in the form of a usu. 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. pl 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 electrical current--compare cord 3b b: a telephone or telegraph wire or system; esp: wire service c: telegram, cablegram
6: fencing or a fence of usu. barbed wire 7: the finish line of a race 8: wirehair -- wire.like adj -- under the wire 1: at the finish line
2: at the last moment
[2]wire vb wired ; wir.ing vt (15c) 1: to provide with wire: use wire on for a specific purpose
2: to send or send word to by telegraph
3: to connect by or as if by a wire ~ vi: to send a telegraphic message -- wir.er n