cable
/ˈkeɪbəl/
NOUN
1. Strong flexible cord or wire
A thick, strong, flexible length of twisted wire strands or fibers used for supporting, fastening, lifting, securing, or transmitting electrical signals and power.
1.1. Ropes, cords, and flexible lines
Used to describe a strong, elongated flexible line made of twisted strands, commonly used for pulling, securing, supporting, or connecting objects.
Synonyms
Examples
- The technician carefully connected the cable to establish a secure internet connection.
- The workers used a heavy cable to lift the equipment.
- A steel cable secured the suspended platform to the building.
Related Words
1.2. Maritime rigging and ship support lines
Used to describe strong ropes or wires employed aboard ships and boats to support masts, secure equipment, control sails, or perform other rigging functions.
Synonyms
- guy
- stay
- halyard
- line
- rope
Examples
- The ship's crew inspected every cable before setting sail.
- A heavy cable supported the mast during the voyage.
- The sailors replaced the damaged halyard and other rigging cables.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Electrical and communication transmission line
An insulated assembly of electrical conductors or optical fibers designed to transmit electricity, electronic signals, data, or communication services between connected devices or locations.
2.1. Electrical wiring and power transmission
Used to describe insulated electrical conductors that carry electrical current between power sources, equipment, and electrical installations.
Synonyms
- wire
- cord
- lead
- conductor
- electrical line
Examples
- The electrician replaced the damaged electrical cable.
- The extension cable connected the equipment to the power outlet.
- The building required additional cables to support its electrical installations.
Related Words
- electricity
- voltage
- current
- conductor
- insulation
- connector
- circuit
- wiring
- power supply
- terminal
2.2. Internet, television, and telecommunications networks
Used to describe physical transmission lines and network infrastructure that deliver television signals, internet access, and telecommunications services to homes and businesses.
Synonyms
- coaxial cable
- fiber-optic line
- communication line
- transmission line
- network cable
Examples
- The internet connection was down because of a damaged fiber-optic cable.
- The technician installed a new coaxial cable to improve television reception.
- The neighborhood received high-speed internet through an underground cable network.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Telegram or message sent electronically
A written message transmitted over a long distance through a telegraph system, particularly one sent using submarine or international telegraph cables.
3.1. Telegrams and long-distance written messages
Used historically to describe an urgent or official written communication transmitted through telegraph cables between distant locations.
Synonyms
- telegram
- wire
- dispatch
- telegraphic message
Examples
- The ambassador received a cable from the foreign ministry.
- A brief cable informed the company of the unexpected developments.
- The newspaper published a cable reporting the latest events overseas.
Related Words
- telegraph
- telegraphy
- transmission
- correspondence
- message
- communication
- submarine cable
- operator
NOUN
4. Decorative rope-like architectural molding
A raised ornamental feature resembling a twisted rope, used as a decorative element on architectural structures, columns, furniture, and other crafted objects.
4.1. Architectural ornamentation and decorative molding
Used to describe a rounded or spiral-shaped decorative molding resembling twisted rope, commonly incorporated into columns, architectural surfaces, and ornamental woodwork.
Synonyms
- rope molding
- cable molding
- twisted molding
- torus molding
Examples
- The ancient column featured intricate cable ornamentation along its shaft.
- The furniture maker added rope molding to the cabinet for a decorative finish.
Related Words
- molding
- moulding
- column
- shaft
- carving
- ornament
- relief
- decoration
- architecture
- woodwork
NOUN
5. Textured knitting pattern
A raised decorative pattern in knitted fabric created by crossing groups of stitches over one another to produce interwoven, rope-like designs.
5.1. Knitting stitches and textile patterns
Used to describe a distinctive knitted design formed by crossing stitches, creating raised braided or twisted patterns commonly found in sweaters, scarves, and other knitted garments.
Synonyms
- cable stitch
- cable pattern
- cable knit
Examples
- The sweater featured a traditional cable pattern running down the front.
- She learned how to create a decorative cable stitch while knitting a scarf.
Related Words
- knitting
- stitch
- braid
- twist
- yarn
- purl
- knitwear
- textile
- aran knitting
- needlework
VERB
6. Providing or equipping with cables
To furnish, install, or equip something with cables for electrical, mechanical, structural, or communication purposes.
6.1. Installing electrical and communication cables
Used to describe fitting buildings, devices, or equipment with electrical wiring, communication lines, or network cables to establish power or signal connections.
Synonyms
- wire
- connect
- equip
- install
- wire up
Antonyms
- disconnect
- unwire
- unplug
Examples
- The contractors cabled the entire office building for high-speed internet.
- The technicians cabled the new server room before installing the equipment.
Related Words
- wiring
- installation
- networking
- connection
- electrification
- cabling
- conduit
- infrastructure
6.2. Securing and fastening with cables
Used to describe fastening, supporting, or securing objects with strong cables or wire ropes to prevent movement or provide structural stability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The workers cabled the equipment securely to the platform.
- The structure was cabled to the ground to withstand strong winds.
Related Words
VERB
7. Sending a telegram or communicating by cable
To transmit a written message or communicate with someone over a long distance using a telegraph system or telecommunications cable.
7.1. Sending telegraphic messages
Used historically to describe transmitting an official, urgent, or personal message through an international or submarine telegraph cable.
Synonyms
- telegraph
- wire
- dispatch
- transmit
Examples
- The foreign correspondent cabled the latest news to the newspaper's headquarters.
- The company cabled an urgent message to its overseas office.
- The embassy cabled instructions to its representatives abroad.
Related Words
- telegram
- telegraphy
- correspondence
- message
- communication
- transmission
- operator
7.2. Communicating through telecommunications networks
Used to describe transmitting information or communicating between distant locations through a physical cable-based communication network.
Synonyms
- transmit
- communicate
- relay
- wire
Examples
- The remote facility cabled its data directly to the central monitoring station.
- The two offices cabled information through a dedicated communication network.
Related Words
VERB
8. Wrapping or twisting wires together
To combine individual wires or strands by twisting, wrapping, or binding them together to form a stronger or more organized cable.
8.1. Wire bundling and cable construction
Used in electrical and mechanical manufacturing to describe twisting or combining separate wires and strands into a single cable assembly.
Synonyms
- twist
- bundle
- strand
- braid
- bind
- intertwine
- interweave
Antonyms
Examples
- The manufacturer cabled several individual wires together to create a durable electrical conductor.
- The machine cabled the metal strands into a strong flexible wire rope.
Related Words
- winding
- wrapping
- filament
- conductor
- insulation
- wire rope
- stranding
- cable assembly
VERB
9. Decorating with rope-like patterns
To ornament a surface, structure, or object with decorative patterns resembling twisted cables or interwoven ropes.
9.1. Decorative architectural and furniture details
Used to describe adding raised, twisted, or rope-like decorative details to architectural features, columns, furniture, or crafted objects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The artisan cabled the wooden frame with intricate rope-like ornamentation.
- The decorative column was cabled with a spiral pattern.
Related Words
- molding
- carving
- embossing
- ornamentation
- relief
- woodworking
- craftsmanship
VERB
10. Creating decorative cable stitches
To knit fabric using crossed groups of stitches that form raised, twisted, or braided patterns.
10.1. Knitting and textile pattern construction
Used in knitting to describe creating decorative cable patterns by crossing groups of stitches over one another, typically with the aid of a cable needle.
Synonyms
- cable-knit
- knit
- stitch
- braid
Examples
- She cabled the front panel of the sweater to create a traditional braided design.
- The knitting instructor showed the students how to cable a wool scarf.