net

net

net¹ [net]

n.

[ME < OE nett, akin to Ger netz, Goth nati < IE base * ned-, to twist together > L nodus, a knot]

1. a fabric made from string, cord, etc., loosely knotted or woven in an openwork pattern and used to trap or snare birds, fish, etc.

2. anything that catches or entraps; trap; snare

3. any of various devices made of meshed fabric, used to hold, protect, or mark off something [a hairnet, tennis net]

4. a fine, meshed, lacelike cloth, used to make curtains, trim garments, etc.

5. NETWORK (n. 2 & 3)

6. Volleyball Tennis etc. a ball or shuttlecock that hits the net, whether or not it goes over: cf. FAULT (n. 8): in full net ball

7. [usually N-] [Informal] Comput.short for INTERNET: with the

vt.

netted, netting

1. to make into net or a net

2. to make with net

3. to trap or snare with or as with a net

4. to protect, shelter, or enclose with or as with a net

5. Volleyball Tennis etc. to hit (the ball or shuttlecock) into the net

vi.

to make nets or network

netlike

adj.

net² [net]

adj.

[ME, trim, clean < Fr: see NEAT¹]

1. remaining after certain deductions or allowances have been made, as for expenses, weight of containers or waste materials, nonessential considerations, etc.

2. after all considerations; final [net loss]

n.

a net amount, profit, weight, price, result, etc.

vt.

netted, netting

to get or bring in as a net; clear as profit, etc.