rewire

Everyday

1. To rewire a building, machine or circuit is to put new electrical wires in it, or connect them in a new way. tree →
2. (informal, science) To rewire the brain or your habits means to change how you think or act by practice. tree →

In the lessons

In science and DT, pupils rewire a simple circuit to add a switch or bulb. In everyday life, old houses need rewiring for safety; this job is for a qualified electrician, never for children — mains electricity can kill. In talk about learning, people say practice "rewires your brain".

Examples

• The electrician had to rewire the whole house. tree →
• We rewired the circuit so both bulbs lit up. tree →
• Never try to rewire a plug at home; ask an adult. tree →
• They are rewiring the old school hall. tree →
• Learning to play the piano can rewire your brain. tree →
• He rewired his toy robot to make it move faster. tree →
• The flat was rewired before we moved in. tree →

Note

Spelling: rewire, rewired, rewiring (drop the e before -ing). Safety: mains rewiring is only for trained adults. Battery circuits in class are safe.