# fiber-optic cable

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fiber-optic-cable
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a thin glass or plastic wire that uses light to send internet and phone signals very quickly. It is much faster than old copper wires.

For teachers: a high-speed transmission medium consisting of thin strands of glass or plastic that carry data as pulses of light. It offers significantly higher bandwidth and lower signal loss than traditional metal wiring.

## Examples

- The technician installed a new fiber-optic cable for our internet.
- The city upgraded its infrastructure by replacing old copper lines with fiber-optic cable to provide residents with gigabit speeds.
- Submarine fiber-optic cables form the backbone of global telecommunications, spanning thousands of miles across ocean floors to connect continents with near-instantaneous data transfer.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.