I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: net (I) + work
1. : a fabric or structure of threads, cords, or wires that cross each other at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
ribbons, lace and embroidery wrought together in a most curious piece of network — Joseph Addison
2. : a system of lines or channels that interlace or cross like the fabric of a net
a network of highways
a network of rivers
a network of veins
a network of roots
a network of nerves
3. : an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system
a network of secret agents
a network of alliances
a network of beliefs
4. : a system of electrical conductors in which conduction takes place between certain points by more than one path
5.
a. : a group of local radio or television stations linked by wire or radio relay for the usually simultaneous broadcasting or televising of the same program
b. : a radio or television company that produces programs to be relayed to local stations for broadcast by radio or television
sold the show to a big network
Synonyms: see system
II. transitive verb
: to cover with or as if with a network
a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canals — Lamp
III. noun
: a system of computers, terminals, and data bases connected by communications lines
IV.
transitive verb
1. Britain : to broadcast (a program) on a radio or television network
2. : to join (computers) in a network
intransitive verb
: to meet and exchange information with colleagues, potential business contacts, or like-minded individuals