wirey

Wirey is an English adjective that largely functions as a variant spelling of wiry. The more common form wiry describes someone or something that is lean, sinewy, or tough, often suggesting endurance. The spelling wirey appears in some older texts and in certain dialects or informal writing, but it is not widely accepted as standard in modern English.

In addition, wirey can be encountered in contexts where the author intends to convey something composed of or resembling wire, though this sense is relatively rare compared with wiry. In such cases it may appear in technical or descriptive prose, but most editors would prefer wire-like or metallic to avoid ambiguity.

Etymology: The term derives from wire, with the -y suffix forming adjectives. The variant wirey is generally considered nonstandard or dialectal, with wiry the preferred form in contemporary usage.

See also wiry, wire.