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n. 1. a. Metal that has been drawn out into a strand or rod, used chiefly for structural support, as in concrete, and for conducting electricity, when it is usually insulated with a rubber or plastic cladding: bought some wire at the hardware store. b. A strand or rod of such material, or a cable made of such strands twisted together. c. Fencing made of wire, especially barbed wire. d. wires The system of strings employed in manipulating puppets in a show. 2. Slang A hidden microphone, as on a person's body or in a building. 3. a. A telephone or telegraph connection: Who is on the wire? b. A telegraph service: sent the message by wire. d. A wire service: The news came over the wire. 4. A pin in the print head of a computer printer. 5. The screen on which sheets of paper are formed in a papermaking machine. 6. Sports The finish line of a racetrack. 7. Slang A pickpocket. v. wired, wir·ing, wires v.tr. 1. a. To equip with a system of electrical wires: wire a house. b. To attach or connect with electrical wire or cable: Is the printer wired to the computer? c. To attach or fasten with wire: Surgeons wired his shoulder together. 2. Slang To install electronic eavesdropping equipment in (a room, for example). 3. a. To send by telegraph: wired her congratulations. b. To send a telegram to (someone). 4. Computers To implement (a capability) through logic circuitry that is permanently connected within a computer or calculator and therefore not subject to change by programming. 5. To determine genetically; hardwire: "It is plausible that the basic organization of grammar is wired into the child's brain" (Steven Pinker). v.intr. Idioms: To send a telegram. down to the wire Informal To the very end, as in a race or contest. under the wire 1. Sports At the finish line. 2. Informal Just in the nick of time; at the last moment. wira·ble adj. |
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