cable

n. a set of wires covered in plastic that carries electricity or signals for computers and phones.

n. an insulated wire or fiber optic strand used for the transmission of electricity or electronic signals.

“I need a longer cable to connect my laptop to the monitor.”

“The technician replaced the damaged ethernet cable to restore the high-speed connection between the server and the local workstations.”

n. a very strong, thick rope made of wire or hemp, used for pulling or supporting heavy things.

n. a heavy, strong rope or chain, often made of twisted steel strands, used for structural support or traction.

“The bridge is held up by massive steel cables.”

“The ship was secured to the pier with thick mooring cables to prevent it from drifting during the storm.”

n. a system of sending television programmes to your house through wires rather than through the air.

n. a system of broadcasting television programming to paying subscribers via coaxial or fiber-optic cables.

“We decided to cancel our cable because we only watch streaming services now.”

“The network expanded its reach by signing a new distribution deal with the country's largest cable provider.”

n. an old-fashioned message sent by wire across long distances.

n. a telegram sent by submarine telegraph cable; historically significant in international diplomacy.

“The diplomat sent a secret cable back to his government during the crisis.”

“Historians recently declassified a series of diplomatic cables that reveal the tension between the two nations during the 1940s.”

Archaic

n. a unit of distance used by sailors, equal to about 185 metres.

n. a maritime unit of length, traditionally one-tenth of a nautical mile or approximately 100 fathoms.

“The two ships stayed about three cables apart to avoid a collision.”

“The navigator noted that the reef was situated approximately five cables to the starboard side of the vessel's current heading.”

Technical

n. a name used by traders for the exchange rate between the British Pound and the US Dollar.

n. a financial market term for the GBP/USD exchange rate, originating from the transatlantic telegraph cable.

“Traders watched cable closely after the central bank announced the new interest rates.”

“Volatility in cable increased significantly following the unexpected economic data released by the UK Treasury this morning.”

Technical · Slang

v. to send a message to someone using an old telegraph system.

v. to transmit a message or news via telegraphic cable; predominantly used in historical contexts.

“The captain cabled the news of the discovery to the main office.”

“The embassy cabled the foreign ministry immediately after the treaty was signed to confirm the successful negotiation.”

Archaic

v. to put wires into a building or a piece of equipment.

v. to equip a building, room, or device with electrical or data cables.

“The workers are busy cabling the new office for high-speed internet.”

“The entire facility was cabled with fiber optics to ensure the infrastructure could handle future bandwidth requirements.”