Word: wire Part of Speech: verb Etymology: From Middle English wir, wyr, from Old English wīr (“wire, metal thread, wire-ornament”), from Proto-Germanic *wīraz (“wire”), from Proto-Indo-European *weh₁iros (“a twist, thread, cord, wire”), from *weh₁y- (“to turn, twist, weave, plait”). Pronunciation: /waɪə(ɹ)/, /ˈwaɪɚ/, /waɪ(ə)ɹ/, /wʌɪ(ə)ɹ/, [wäɪɚ] 1. To fasten with wire, especially with reference to wine bottles, corks, or fencing. Example: We need to wire that hole in the fence. Example: I could see him in his plane flying low over the river or a reservoir, dropping the club out with a chunk of lead wired to the shaft. 2. To string on a wire. Example: wire beads 3. To equip with wires for use with electricity. Example: Do you know how to wire a plug? Example: Replying on March 20 to a Commons Written Question from Alberto Costa (Conservative, South Leicestershire) about plans to wire to Leicester, Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: "We are currently investing in the biggest upgrade of the Midland Main Line since it was completed in 1870. [...] 4. To connect, embed, incorporate, or include (something) into (something else) by or as if by wires: Example: I'll just wire your camera to the computer screen. Example: Assuming that all of the conference rooms are wired into the LAN, the sales representative would have to carry a cable to connect into any conference room that they visit, find the appropriate wall jack, and connect into the network. 5. To connect, embed, incorporate, or include (something) into (something else) by or as if by wires: Example: There is an enormous neurological consequence to mechanorecptor dysfunction, which is related to how these cells are wired into the spinal cord. Example: The distal tier of cells has a wider acceptance angle than the proximal tier and different neuronal wiring (distal photoreceptors are wired into the lamina, while proximal photoreceptors are wired into the medulla), as well as a different spectral receptor composition. 6. To connect, embed, incorporate, or include (something) into (something else) by or as if by wires: Example: He was the minority leader's political eyes and ears— nicknamed "the Electrician," due to all the intrigue and legislative shenanigans he was wired into. Example: Like the fledgling scientist who tried to wire himself into the sisterly circle at Field Place, Prometheus joins the electric circuit formed by his "Fair sister nymphs," Panthea, Asia, ... 7. To set or predetermine (someone's personality or behaviour, or an organization's culture) in a particular way. Labels: figuratively, passive, usually Example: There's no use trying to get Sarah to be less excitable. That's just the way she's wired. Example: “‘Cept I do hurt people sometimes, Case. I guess it's just the way I'm wired.” 8. To send a message or monetary funds to another person through a telecommunications system, formerly predominantly by telegraph. Labels: ambitransitive Example: Urgent: please wire me another 100 pounds sterling. Example: The detective wired ahead, hoping that the fugitive would be caught at the railway station. 9. To make someone tense or psyched up. See also adjective wired. Labels: slang Example: Coffee late at night wires me good and proper. 10. To install eavesdropping equipment. Labels: slang Example: We wired the suspect's house. 11. To snare by means of a wire or wires. 12. To place (a ball) so that the wire of a wicket prevents a successful shot. Labels: transitive