wire etymology

Etymology

  • Old English: wīre
  • Proto-Germanic: *wīrą
  • Proto-Indo-European: *weyro- ("to twist")

Meaning and Origin

The word "wire" comes from the Old English "wīre," which likely originated from the Proto-Germanic *wīrą, meaning "to twist." This is related to the Old Norse "vír," meaning "wire," and the Old High German "wīr," meaning "string."

The Proto-Indo-European root *weyro- means "to twist" and is also the origin of the Latin "vertere," meaning "to turn," and the Greek "heirkhein," meaning "to enclose."

In its original sense, "wire" referred to a thin, flexible strand of metal that was used for tying or binding. Over time, the meaning of "wire" expanded to include any flexible, conductive material used in electrical circuits.

Today, "wire" can refer to a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, steel, and even optical fibers. It is used in a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring to musical instruments to medical devices.

wire relate terms

  • wired

    Etymology The word wired has two distinct etymologies From wire Late Middle Eng

  • wire

    Etymology Old English wīre Proto Germanic wīrą Proto Indo European weyro to t

  • wiring

    Etymology The word wiring is derived from the following Proto Indo European roots we

  • wire

    Etymology Old English wīre Proto Germanic wīrą Proto Indo European weyro to t

  • haywire

    Etymology The word haywire is a combination of two words Hay Short for haystack

  • high wire

    Etymology The term high wire is derived from two English words High Meaning elevat

  • wire tapping

    Etymology of wiretapping The roots of the term wiretapping can be traced back to the la

  • POTUS

    Etymology POTUS is an acronym formed from the Latin phrase Praeses Civitatum Foederatar

  • garland

    Etymology The word garland comes from the Old French word guirlande which in turn d

  • piano

    Etymology Piano is derived from the Italian word pianoforte which literally means so

  • live

    Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de

  • dale

    Etymology The word dale comes from the Old English word dæl which means valley o

  • deal

    Etymology The word deal comes from the Old English word dæl which means part port

  • lade

    Etymology Middle English ladon from Anglo Norman French ladon from Old French ledon