tube
UK: tjuːb | US: tuːb
n. a long, hollow cylinder used to convey or hold liquids or gases
n. a flexible container sealed at one end (e.g., toothpaste tube)
n. (anatomy) a narrow, hollow structure in the body (e.g., fallopian tube)
n. (British) informal term for the London Underground railway system
The word "tube" originates from the Latin tubus, meaning "pipe" or "hollow cylinder." It entered English via French (tube) in the early 17th century, retaining its core meaning of a cylindrical conduit. The silent "e" is a vestige of Old French spelling conventions. Over time, "tube" expanded semantically to include anatomical structures, flexible containers, and even colloquial terms like the London "Tube," metaphorically extending the idea of a hollow passage.
The scientist observed the liquid flowing through the glass tube.
She squeezed the last bit of paint from the tube.
The doctor examined the patient’s Eustachian tube for blockages.
We took the Tube to reach central London quickly.
He repaired the bike’s inner tube after noticing a puncture.