First Known Use: 1651
Dictionary
tube
noun \ˈtüb, ˈtyüb\
: a long, hollow object that is used especially to control the flow of a liquid or gas
: an object shaped like a pipe
: a soft, long, narrow container that has a small opening at one end and that contains a soft material which can be pushed out by squeezing
Full Definition of TUBE
1
: any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: as a : a hollow elongated cylinder; especially : one to convey fluids b : a soft tubular container whose contents (as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing c (1) : tunnel (2) British : subway b d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument
2
a : a slender channel (as a fallopian tube or a pollen tube) within a plant or animal body : duct b : the narrow basal portion of a corolla with united petals or a calyx with united sepals
3
4
a : electron tube; especially : vacuum tube b : cathode-ray tube; especially : a television picture tube c : television
5
: an article of clothing shaped like a tube <a tube top> <tube socks>
— tubed \ˈtübd, ˈtyübd\ adjective
— tube·like \ˈtüb-ˌlīk, ˈtyüb-\ adjective
— down the tube or down the tubes
: into a state of collapse or deterioration
See tube defined for English-language learners
See tube defined for kids
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Origin of TUBE
French, from Latin tubus; akin to Latin tuba trumpet
TUBELIKE Defined for Kids
tube
noun \ˈtüb, ˈtyüb\
Definition of TUBE for Kids
1
: a long hollow cylinder used especially to carry fluids
2
: a long soft container whose contents (as toothpaste or glue) can be removed by squeezing
3
: a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct
4
: a hollow cylinder of rubber inside a tire to hold air
5
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