net1
n.
- a piece of open-meshed material used typically for catching fish.
▸a net supported by a frame at the end of a handle, used for catching fish or insects.
- a structure with a net used in various games, e.g. as a goal in football, to divide a tennis court, or to enclose a cricket practice area.
- a fine fabric with a very open weave.
- a means of selecting or securing someone or something:
he spread his net far and wide in his search for success.
- a communications or broadcasting network.
▸a network of interconnected computers.
▸
(the Net)
the Internet.
v.
(nets, netting, netted)
- catch or obtain with or as with a net.
- (in sport) hit (a ball) into the net; score (a goal).
- cover with a net.
Derivative
- netful n.
(pl. netfuls)
. - -netter n.
Etymology
OE net, nett, of Gmc origin.
net2
adj.
- (of an amount, value, or price) remaining after the deduction of tax or other contributions. Often contrasted with gross.
▸(of a weight) excluding that of the packaging.
- final; overall:
the net result is the same.
v.
(nets, netting, netted)
acquire (a sum) as clear profit.
▸
(net something down/off/out)
exclude a non-net amount when making a calculation, to reduce the amount left to a net sum.
Etymology
ME (in the senses ‘clean’ and ‘smart’, also ‘free from deductions’): from Fr. net; see neat1.