Meaning & Definition of word "Tube"

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    Tube

    /tjuːb/

    noun:

    • 1. A cylindrical container or conduit used for holding or transporting substances.
      • Example: She bought a tube of toothpaste from the store.
    • 2. A long, hollow object, typically made of plastic or metal, which can be used for various purposes, including as a pipe.
      • Example: The plumber used a tube to connect the two water faucets.
    • 3. An underground or elevated train system, commonly known as the subway.
      • Example: He took the tube to work every day.
    • 4. A part of a plant or flower that is shaped like a hollow cylinder.
      • Example: The honeybee is attracted to the tube-shaped flowers for nectar.

    verb:

    • 1. To place an object into a tube or to make something tube-shaped.
      • Example: They decided to tube the samples for easier transport.

    Etymology

    Late Middle English: from Latin 'tubus', from Greek 'toubos'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    the tube:

    Refers to the underground railway system in London.

    in a tube:

    Describes something packaged in a cylindrical container.

    tube of toothpaste:

    A common container used for storing toothpaste.

    Related Words

    cylinder:

    A three-dimensional shape with circular ends and a uniform cross-section.

    pipe:

    A hollow cylinder that transports fluids or gases.

    canister:

    A container for holding liquids or gases.

    Slang Meanings of tube

    Meaning: A slang term for a video sharing platform, particularly YouTube.

    Example Sentence: I watched that funny video on the tube.

    Meaning: In some contexts, refers to the act of using a tube to ingest drugs.

    Example Sentence: He was caught in the bathroom using the tube.