wire glass
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, specialized technical/architectural term)Technical, Architectural, Industrial. Neutral-to-formal within its domain.
Definition
Meaning
A type of safety glass with a wire mesh embedded within it, designed to hold together if shattered.
Can refer to the material itself or architectural/fenestration components made from it. In broader context, may imply safety, industrial, or utilitarian aesthetics.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun where 'wire' specifies the type of reinforcement. It is primarily a material/product name. Not to be confused with 'wired glass', which is an accepted variant but less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage frequency is similar in technical contexts. The process or standard specifications (e.g., BS vs. ASTM) may be referenced differently.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same core connotations of safety, industrial use, and often outdated or institutional architecture (e.g., old school windows, factory skylights).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but stable within architectural, glazing, and building safety registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] made of wire glass[V] install/replace/break wire glass[ADJ] wire glass panel/windowVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is technical and non-idiomatic.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In procurement for construction or refurbishment projects: 'The specification calls for fire-rated wire glass in the stairwell doors.'
Academic
In materials science or architectural history papers: 'The early 20th century saw the widespread adoption of wire glass in public buildings as a safety measure.'
Everyday
Rare. Might occur in describing an old building: 'The windows in the old factory are made of that wire glass with the grid inside.'
Technical
In architectural drawings, building codes, or glazing manuals: 'Ensure wire glass compliance with BS 476 for fire resistance.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The glaziers will wire-glass the transom lights for safety compliance.
American English
- The architect specified to wire-glass the sidelights on the fire door.
adjective
British English
- The wire-glass partition provided both light and fire protection.
American English
- They installed a wire-glass window in the mechanical room.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The windows in the old school had wire glass.
- For safety reasons, the interior windows were made of wire glass to prevent shattering.
- The building code mandated the use of wire glass in all fire doors and transoms above them, owing to its ability to retain integrity when exposed to heat and impact.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a window with a 'wire' fence inside the 'glass' to catch the pieces if it breaks.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS CONTAINMENT (The wire mesh contains dangerous shards). DURABILITY IS INTERWEAVING (Strength comes from the woven wire within).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'проволочное стекло' which is unclear. The standard term is 'армированное стекло' (reinforced glass). 'Стекло с сеткой' is descriptive but non-technical.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'tempered glass' or 'laminated glass' (other safety glasses without wire). Using 'wired' as a verb form (e.g., 'the glass is wired') is incorrect. Misspelling as 'wireglass' (should be two words or hyphenated 'wire-glass').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the wire in wire glass?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its use has declined, especially in schools (due to injury risk from the exposed wire if broken), but it is still specified in certain fire-rated applications where its specific properties are required by older building codes.
Wire glass has a steel wire mesh embedded within a single sheet of glass. Laminated glass bonds two or more glass layers with a plastic interlayer (like PVB). Both are safety glasses, but laminated glass is generally stronger, clearer, and safer upon breakage.
It is extremely difficult and not recommended. The embedded wire mesh damages cutting tools and leads to rough, unsafe edges. It is typically ordered to size from the manufacturer.
Yes, 'wired glass' is a common variant and is understood to mean the same product. 'Wire glass' is slightly more prevalent in formal specifications.