net¹ (nĕt)

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[Middle English, from Old English.]

noun 

1. An openwork fabric made of threads or cords that are woven or knotted together at regular intervals.
2. Something made of openwork fabric, especially:
   1. A device for capturing birds, fish, or insects.
   2. A barrier against flying insects.
   3. A mesh for holding the hair in place.
   4. Something that entraps; a snare.
   5. A fine mesh fabric used as curtain or dress material or as the foundation for various laces.
3. Sports
   1. A barrier of meshwork cord or rope strung between two posts to divide a court in half, as in tennis and badminton.
   2. A ball that is hit into this meshwork barrier.
   3. The goal in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse.
   4. The cord meshwork attached to the hoop of a basket in basketball.
4. A meshed network of lines, figures, or fibers.
5. A radio, television, or telephone network.
6. Computer Science See network

transitive verb: net·ted, net·ting, nets. 

1. To catch or ensnare in or as if in a net.
2. To cover, protect, or surround with or as if with a net.
3. Sports To hit (a ball) into the net.
4. To make into a net.

derivatives

net́ter

noun

net² (nĕt)

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[Middle English, elegant, remaining after deductions, from Old French, elegant, and from Old Italian netto, remaining after deductions, both from Latin nitidus, clean, elegant; see neat¹.]

adjective 

1. Business
   1. Remaining after all deductions have been made, as for expenses: net profit.
   2. Remaining after tare is deducted: net weight.
2. Ultimate; final: the net result.

noun 

1. Business A net amount, as of profit or weight.
2. The main point; the essence: the net of our discussion.

transitive verb: net·ted, net·ting, nets. 

1. To bring in or yield as profit.
2. To clear as profit.

Net (nĕt)

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noun 

The Internet.

usage note

Usage Note: The word Net is usually capitalized when used as a noun in referring to the Internet, as opposed simply to computer networks of any type. Thus we might speak of one of the most frequently visited sites on the Net but tools for net navigation, since the latter might include tools that are designed for use on networks other than the Internet.

abbreviation 

National Educational Television

net·work (nĕt́wûrḱ)

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noun 

1. An openwork fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals.
2. Something resembling an openwork fabric or structure in form or concept, especially:
   1. A system of lines or channels that cross or interconnect: a network of railroads.
   2. A complex, interconnected group or system: an espionage network.
   3. An extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support.
3. 1. A chain of radio or television broadcasting stations linked by wire or microwave relay.
   2. A company that produces the programs for these stations.
4. 1. A group or system of electric components and connecting circuitry designed to function in a specific manner.
   2. Computer Science A system of computers interconnected by telephone wires or other means in order to share information. Also called net¹

verb: -worked, -work·ing, -works. 

transitive verb 

1. To cover with or as if with an openwork fabric or structure.
2. To broadcast over a radio or television network.
3. Computer Science To connect (computers) into a network.

intransitive verb 

To interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support.

derivatives

net́worḱer

noun