An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A slender flexible thread or rod of metal.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. wir, cf. O.N. viravirka “filigree work,” Swed. vira “to twist,” O.H.G. wiara “fine gold work.”

Etymology (PE): Sim “wire,” initially “strand of silver,” from sim “silver,” from Mid.Pers. asêm “silver,” from Gk. asemon “without mark, uncoined, shapeless, formless,” from argurion asemon “uncoined money.” For semantic similarity, see → silver.