Tube Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tube
[tjuːb ]
Definitions
transportation
A long, hollow cylinder of metal, plastic, glass, etc., for holding or transporting something, chiefly liquids or gases.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tube |
Use 'tube' to refer to a long, hollow object, often made of metal, plastic, or glass, that is used for holding or transporting liquids or gases. It is also commonly used in everyday contexts like 'toothpaste tube' or in medical settings.
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| pipe |
Using 'pipe' often implies a long, hollow tube used mainly for conveying substances like gases or liquids. It is frequently used in plumbing, manufacturing, and construction contexts.
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| cylinder |
Cylinder refers to a three-dimensional shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. It can be used in various contexts, including geometry, mechanics, and everyday descriptions of objects.
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| conduit |
The term 'conduit' is often used in more technical or formal contexts, especially in construction, electrical, or plumbing work, to describe a channel through which something (e.g., wires, water) passes.
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Examples of usage
- The toothpaste comes in a tube.
- She used a tube to water the plants.
- We took the subway through the tunnel.
technology
A device consisting of a glass tube containing an electron-emitting cathode, a fluorescent screen, and a metal plate, used to display images in televisions, monitors, etc.
Synonyms
monitor, television, tv.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tube |
This term is used informally, especially in British English, to refer to a television. It can sound a bit old-fashioned or nostalgic.
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| television |
This is the formal term for the device used to watch broadcast, satellite, or cable content. It’s suitable for more formal and general contexts.
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| tv |
This is the most common and casual term used to refer to a television. It's suitable for everyday conversation.
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| monitor |
This term is more technical and is typically used to refer to the screen of a computer, though it can also refer to any device used for observing or checking, such as a medical monitor.
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Examples of usage
- She watched the movie on the tube.
- The old TV had a small tube.
informal
Watch television, especially for a prolonged period.
Synonyms
binge-watch, watch TV.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tube |
In British English, 'tube' can colloquially refer to a television set. Otherwise, 'tube' refers to London's underground train system.
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| watch TV |
Use 'watch TV' when generally referring to the act of viewing television programs. This is the most neutral and straightforward way to mention watching television.
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| binge-watch |
Use 'binge-watch' when you want to describe watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one sitting. This term is often used in a casual manner and implies spending a long time watching TV.
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Examples of usage
- She loves to tube for hours on end.
- He decided to tube instead of going out.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, tubes can refer to structures like blood vessels or the trachea, which transports air.
- Vacuum tubes were crucial in the development of early electronics, allowing signals to be amplified.
- The physics of tubes involves understanding how fluids or gases move through them, revealing principles of pressure and flow.
Pop Culture
- In film, the term 'tube' can refer to the television, a common source of entertainment for decades.
- The famous British Underground rail network, known as 'the Tube,' has become a cultural icon in London.
- In video gaming, 'tube' is often slang for the act of navigating through narrow passages, particularly in adventure games.
Health
- In medicine, tubes are vital for various applications, such as IV tubes for delivering medications directly into the bloodstream.
- Respiratory tubes, such as the bronchial tubes, play a crucial role in the respiratory system by conducting air to and from the lungs.
- Some medical procedures involve inserting tubes into the body to diagnose or treat issues, emphasizing their importance in healthcare.
Engineering
- The concept of tubes is fundamental in engineering, affecting designs in construction and manufacturing.
- Pipelines, which transport oil and gas, are a practical example of tube technology applied on a large scale.
- The design of roller coasters often incorporates tubular shapes for structural efficiency and safety.
Origin of 'tube'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tube' comes from the Latin word 'tubus', meaning pipe or hollow cylinder.
- It first entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially referring to a cylindrical container.
- In the late 19th century, it began to describe not just containers, but also the underground railways in London.
The word 'tube' originated in the late Middle English period, referring to a pipe or hollow cylinder. It is derived from the Latin word 'tuba', which means 'trumpet' or 'tube'. Over time, the term expanded to encompass various cylindrical objects, including those used for transportation and technology. In modern usage, 'tube' is commonly associated with television screens, reflecting the evolution of technology and media.
See also: tubes.