Wires: meaning, definitions and examples

🔌

Add to dictionary

wires

[waɪərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

electricity

Thin metal rods or threads that carry electricity from one place to another.

Synonyms

cables, conductors, cords.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wires	When referring to thin, flexible strands of metal used for conducting electricity or signals, typically in simpler or household contexts. The wires behind my computer are tangled I need to fix the loose wires in my headphones
cables	Used in contexts where thicker, durable, and sometimes multi-strand wires are involved, often for transmitting electrical power or strong signals. I need a longer cable for my internet connection The television cable needs replacement
conductors	Used mainly in technical or professional contexts to refer to materials or objects that conduct electricity, often in a scientific or engineering setting. Copper is a good conductor of electricity We need to check the conductors in the electrical circuit
cords	Refers to flexible insulated cable types, often associated with smaller appliances or household devices. The lamp cord is too short to reach the socket Can you pass me the extension cord?

Examples of usage

The wires in the wall carry electricity to the outlets.
The broken wire caused a short circuit in the system.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

telecommunications

Cables or cords used for transmitting electrical signals or information.

Synonyms

cables, fibers, lines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wires	Used for electrical connections and signals. Common in household electronics, wiring circuits, and similar small-scale applications. The electrician fixed the wires in the fuse box. You need to connect the red and black wires to complete the circuit.
cables	Typically thicker and stronger than wires, used for larger scale and heavy-duty electrical and communication connections. Common in TV installations, computer networking, and industrial machinery. He used an HDMI cable to connect the TV to the DVD player. Fiber optic cables are laid under the ocean to connect the internet across countries.
lines	More general term that can refer to electrical power lines, telephone lines, or other types of long-distance transmission lines. Often associated with utility services. The storm knocked down several power lines, causing a blackout in the area. The phone lines are down, so we can't make any calls right now.
fibers	Specifically refers to fiber optics, used in high-speed data transmission. Mostly used in telecommunications and high-speed internet infrastructure. Fiber optics allow for faster internet speeds than traditional cables. The company upgraded their network to use fiber connections for better performance.

Examples of usage

The telephone wires were down after the storm.
The internet wires connect our devices to the network.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'wire' originates from the Old English 'wīr', meaning 'a thread or string of metal'.
Ancient civilizations used copper as the first wiring material due to its excellent ability to conduct electricity.
The transition from raw metal to wire involved drawing or stretching metal to create a thin, flexible material.

Science

Conductors, typically made of metals like copper or aluminum, are essential for transmitting electrical energy efficiently.
Electromagnetic fields around wires can produce heat, which is why thick cables are used to prevent overheating.
Wires can also transmit signals, making them critical in communication technologies like telephone lines.

Technology

The invention of the telegraph in the 1830s marked a significant advancement in wire technology, allowing long-distance communication.
With the rise of the internet, fiber optic wires are now popular for their ability to transmit data at high speeds using light.
Wireless technology, while minimizing the need for physical wires, still relies on them in many foundational aspects like routers and servers.

Art and Culture

Artists have used wires in sculptures and installations to create intricate designs, blending technology and aesthetics.
In music, the word ‘wire’ appears in many songs and lyrics, often symbolizing connection or communication.
Film and media often depict wires as a representation of technological advancement or the unseen connections in our lives.

Psychology

Research suggests that the way wires are routed in gadgets may trigger feelings of anxiety or comfort in users based on visibility and organization.
The concept of 'brain wiring' in psychology parallels physical wires, as it refers to how our experiences shape neural connections in the brain.
Visual organization of wires in devices can impact user experience, with messy wires often leading to feelings of chaos or frustration.

Translations

Translations of the word "wires" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fios

🇮🇳 तारें

🇩🇪 Drähte

🇮🇩 kawat

🇺🇦 дроти

🇵🇱 druty

🇯🇵 ワイヤー

🇫🇷 fils

🇪🇸 alambres

🇹🇷 kablolar

🇰🇷 전선

🇸🇦 أسلاك

🇨🇿 dráty

🇸🇰 dráty

🇨🇳 电线

🇸🇮 žice

🇮🇸 vírar

🇰🇿 сымдар

🇬🇪 მავთულები

🇦🇿 tellər

🇲🇽 alambres

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,980, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4977 asleep
4978 customary
4979 evolved
4980 wires
4981 attain
4982 earnest
4983 shells
...