network English · revision 3286

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1530}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈnet.wɜːk/, US /ˈnet.wɝːk/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a compound, [[af|en|net|work]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) The verb is from the noun.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Work in which threads or wires cross like a net: 1530 according to Merriam-Webster,^(MWU 2024) 1560 in the OED,^(OED 1989) or the 1550s.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Structures resembling a net in animals and plants are from 1658.^(OED 1989) An interconnected system of immaterial things is from 1816,^(OED 1989) and any complex interlocking system, at first of rivers, canals and railways, from 1839.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A system of electricity cables is from 1883,^(OED 1989) and a broadcasting system of linked transmitters from 1914.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) An interconnected group of people is by 1934 in the jargon of psychology,^(Etymonline) or 1947.^(OED 1989) The verb meant “to cover with a network” in 1887,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) “to broadcast over a network” from 1940, and “to link computers” from 1972;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) of people, “to make contacts by exchanging information”, it is by 1982.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1530 – a net-like structure.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1839 – a system of rivers, canals and railways.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1883 – an electricity network.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1887 – verb, to cover with a network.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1914 – a broadcasting network.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1934 – a group of people.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1940 – verb, to broadcast.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1972 – verb, to link computers.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1982 – verb, to make contacts.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A fabric or structure of cords or wires crossing at regular intervals.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+ # A system of lines, roads or channels that cross or connect: ''a rail network''.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # A group of connected people or organizations.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # A group of [[broadcast|alt=broadcasting]] stations that share programmes.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # ''(computing)'' A system of connected [[computer|alt=computers]].^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To meet and talk with others to exchange information and make useful contacts.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # To connect computers in a network.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # To broadcast over a network.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[networker]]

+ * [[networking]]

+ * [[nonnetwork]]

+ * [[subnetwork]]

+ * [[supernetwork]]

+ * [[old-boy network]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[net]]

+ * [[work]]

+ * [[internet]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}