From Late Latin capulum 'lasso,' from capere 'to seize' — possibly influenced by Arabic ḥabl 'rope.'
A thick rope or bundle of wires used for transmitting electricity, signals, or for mooring ships.
From Old Northern French cable, from Late Latin capulum 'lasso, halter,' from Latin capere 'to seize, take hold.' Alternatively, some scholars derive it from Arabic ḥabl 'rope,' which may have influenced the word through Mediterranean maritime contact. Key roots: *keh₂p- (Proto-Indo-European: "to grasp, seize").