[web] n [ME, fr. OE; akin to ON vefr web, OE wefan to weave] (bef. 12c) 1: a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom
2. a: cobweb, spiderweb b: a network of silken thread spun esp. by the larvae of various insects (as a tent caterpillar) and usu. serving as a nest or shelter
3: a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant; esp: that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)
4. a: a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip b: the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail c: the arm of a crank
5: something resembling a web: a: snare, entanglement "a ~ of intrigue" "ensnarled in a ~ of folly --David A. Stockman" b: an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven: network "a ~ of little roads" "a complex ~ of relationships"
6: the series of barbs implanted on each side of the shaft of a feather: vane
7. a: a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine b: a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press 8: the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs -- webbed adj -- web.like adj
[2]web vb webbed ; web.bing vi (1604): to construct or form a web ~ vt 1: to cover with a web or network
2: ensnare, entangle
3: to provide with a web