Wire Meaning

UK /waɪə/
US /waɪər/
Word Definition
wire meaning

Wire Definition & Usage

noun

A thin, flexible strand or rod of metal, typically copper or aluminum, used to conduct electricity or transmit signals.

Examples

  • "I need some wire to fix the circuit board."
  • "The wire snapped when I tried to pull it too tightly."
  • "The electricians ran wires through the walls to connect the new light fixtures."
  • "A long wire dangled from the pole, catching the wind."
  • "She carefully spooled the wire onto the reel after finishing the project."
verb

To attach or connect using wire.

Examples

  • "I wired the new lights into the electrical system this morning."
  • "We need to wire the sensors to the mainframe for testing."
  • "The technician is wiring the building for internet access."
  • "He carefully wired the radio components together."
  • "The contractor will wire the house for security cameras before the move-in."
noun

A secret or covert means of communication or connection, often related to espionage or surveillance.

Examples

  • "The spy had a wire under his shirt to record the conversation."
  • "They planted a wire in the meeting room to gather evidence."
  • "The detective set up a wiretap to listen in on the suspect's calls."
  • "She was caught talking to someone on a wire, passing classified information."
  • "The journalists used a wire to get inside information about the corruption scandal."

Cultural Context

The word 'wire' has been used for centuries, with its earliest meanings referring to a thin, flexible strand of metal. Over time, it expanded to include various forms of communication, both literal (electrical wiring) and figurative (spy equipment). Its usage in espionage and technology-related fields became especially prominent in the 20th century.

The Connection

Story

The Connection

In a small suburban town, Emily, an electrical engineer, had just been hired to wire a new home for a smart security system. She was meticulous about her work, running wire through the walls to connect all the cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. As she worked, she couldn't help but think about how the technology was becoming more and more reliant on wires to function. Meanwhile, across town, Detective Harris was busy investigating a local crime ring, using a wiretap to gather evidence. He had been tracking a suspect, and it seemed like he was finally close to making a breakthrough. The two worlds – one of modern technology and the other of covert surveillance – were about to collide in unexpected ways. Emily had been working all afternoon, carefully soldering wires into place when she received a call from her partner. 'It's done,' he said. 'The security system is online.' Emily smiled, satisfied with her work. But as she started packing up, her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Detective Harris. He needed her expertise. The wiretap he had set up had been compromised, and he needed help to rewire the entire system. 'I'll be there in ten minutes,' Emily replied, grabbing her tools and heading out. At Harris's office, Emily looked over the wiretap system. 'This is tricky,' she muttered, examining the tangled mess of wires. 'But it's nothing I can't handle.' As she worked, the detective explained how they had been using the wire to listen in on a suspect's calls, hoping to gather enough evidence to arrest him. But someone had caught on, and now the system was malfunctioning. 'If we don't fix this,' Harris said, 'we could lose everything.' Emily worked quickly, re-routing the wires and checking the connections. Finally, after what felt like hours, the system was back online. The detective listened to the clear transmission of a conversation – critical information for the case. 'Nice work, Emily,' Harris said with a grin. 'You're the best.' Emily smiled, proud of her skills. Little did she know, the wires she had been installing in homes were about to help solve a major crime. The story demonstrated the many meanings of 'wire,' from physical wires used in construction and technology to its metaphorical use in espionage and surveillance. Both Emily and Harris relied on 'wires' to connect, protect, and uncover hidden truths.

The Connection