Collins English-English Dictionary

cable ['keɪb^əl]

1. 1. n a strong thick rope, usually of twisted hemp or steel wire

2. 2. n cable length cable's length a unit of length in nautical use that has various values, including 100 fathoms (600 feet)

3. 3. n [nautical] an anchor chain or rope

4. 4. n overseas telegram cablegram a telegram sent abroad by submarine cable, radio, communications satellite, or by telephone line

5. 5. n a unit of distance in navigation, equal to one tenth of a sea mile (about 600 feet)

6. 6. n a wire or bundle of wires that conducts electricity - See also coaxial cable

   a submarine cable

7. 7. n See cable stitch

8. 8. n short for cable television

9. 9. vb to send (a message) to (someone) by cable

10. 10. vt. [tr] to fasten or provide with a cable or cables

11. 11. vt. [tr] to supply (a place) with or link (a place) to cable television

12. 12. vt. [Etymology] C13: from Old Norman French, from Late Latin capulum halter