wire recorder

noun

1. a forerunner of the tape recorder that recorded sound on a steel wire by magnetizing the wire as it passed an electromagnet.

wire recorder

noun

1. an early type of magnetic recorder in which sounds were recorded on a thin steel wire magnetized by an electromagnet Compare tape recorder

Derived Forms

• wire recording, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wire recorder¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

He experimented with a wire recorder—a tape precursor, which recorded magnetically on steel wire.

From The New Yorker

A few years ago, Ms. Kobayashi found herself in possession of a wire recorder, an obsolete magnetic device that enjoyed a quick midcentury vogue, and two reels.

From New York Times

Really, though, he preferred the wire recorder to the tape recorder, fidelity and purity over convenience.

From The New Yorker

Arthur Miller’s text has been slashed to 100 minutes and shifted to the present day: Willy’s boss is now distracted by an iPhone instead of a wire recorder.

From New York Times

I have a pocket-size, battery-operated wire recorder I use for making notes.

From Project Gutenberg