Tube Meaning
/tuːb/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounAnything that is hollow and cylindrical in shape.
nounAn approximately cylindrical container, usually with a crimped end and a screw top, used to contain and dispense semiliquid substances.
Sentence Examples
The tube was shattered by the explosion.
He squeezed the toothpaste out of a tube.
He had to be fed through a feeding tube for several months.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
She squeezed the flexible ____ to get the last bit of toothpaste out.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She squeezed a small amount of toothpaste from the ____ and prepared to brush her teeth before going to bed today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French tube, from Latin tubus (“tube, pipe”), related to tuba (“long trumpet; war-trumpet”), of obscure ultimate origin, but possibly connected to tībia (“shinbone, reed-pipe”); see there. Doublet of tubus.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But then I had the [massive] flintlock by me for protection. ¶[…]The linen-press and a chest on the top of it formed, however, a very good gun-carriage; and, thus mounted, aim could be taken out of the window […], and a 'bead' could be drawn upon Molly, the dairymaid, kissing the fogger behind the hedge, little dreaming that the deadly tube was levelled at them."
— 1879, R[ichard] J[efferies], chapter 1, in The Amateur Poacher, London: Smith, Elder, & Co., […], →OCLC:
"The economist also observed that some of the Victoria Line's cost should be debited to existing lines, as they would benefit from the rebuilding of their interchange stations with the new tube."
— 1962 October, “The Victoria Line”, in Modern Railways, page 217:
"And thus it came about that on that October morning I found myself in the deep level tube with the Professor speeding to the North of London in what proved to be one of the most singular experiences of my remarkable life."
— 1929, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Disintegration Machine:
"It's alright to cop a warm tube of Fosters and a cold pie 'n' peas when you're dated by one of the locals[.]"
— 1967, The Kings Cross Whisper, number xlii., Sydney, page 7, column 4:
"Tinnie: a tin of beer — also called a tube."
— 1995, Sue Butler, Lonely Planet Australian Phrasebook: Language Survival Kit:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She squeezed the flexible ____ to get the last bit of toothpaste out.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She squeezed a small amount of toothpaste from the ____ and prepared to brush her teeth before going to bed today.