wire

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wire (piece or length of) metal in the form of a slender rod OE.; network of this XVI. OE. wīr, corr. to MLG. wīre (LG. wīr), ON. *vírr in víra virki filigree work, rel. to OHG. wiara (ornament of) finest gold; prob. f. base *wi- of L. viēre plait, weave (cf. WITHE).
Hence wireless XIX. wire-puller one who exerts underhand influence. XIX (orig. U.S.). wireworm larva of click-beetles. XVIII. wiry (-Y1) XVI.

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