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DictionarywireMetal strand
noun / verb / adjective

wire

WY-ur/ˈwaɪər/

A thin, flexible strand of metal.

A copper wire forms a gentle loop, with its cut end exposed.

A flexible copper wire bends into a gentle loop, clean cut end reveals metal core, no people.
Etymology
wireOld Englishmetal drawn into a thread

Old English wīr named metal drawn into a thread, used early on for fine gold ornament. The electrical sense applies that same threadlike material to carrying current.

In context

Khan Academy1:46
quite different from permanent magnets so let's take a look at that and compare permanent magnets to electromagnets electromagnets are typically made of Loops of wire in a coil
Electromagnetism | Forces at a distance | Middle school physics | Khan Academy

More examples

  • The electrician replaces two damaged wires behind the outlet.
  • A wire fence keeps rabbits out of the garden.
  • She wires the flower stems together to make a wreath.

Forms

wire · wires · wired · wiring

wiring noun — A system of connected electrical wires.

Similar words

cable
Usually thicker, often containing several wires bundled together.
filament
An especially fine strand, not necessarily made of metal.