network

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

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

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

• n. A fabric or structure of fibrous elements attached to each other at regular intervals.
• n. Any interconnected group or system
• n. A directory of people maintained for their advancement
• n. A group of affiliated television stations that broadcast common programs from a parent company.
• n. Multiple computers and other devices connected together to share information
• v. To interact socially for the purpose of getting connections or personal advancement.
• v. To connect two or more computers or other computerized devices.
• v. To interconnect a group or system.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English

• n. A fabric of threads, cords, or wires crossing each other at certain intervals, and knotted or secured at the crossings, thus leaving spaces or meshes between them.
• n. Any system of lines or channels interlacing or crossing like the fabric of a net
• n. A system of computers linked together by communications channels allowing the exchange of data between the linked computers.
• n. A group of transmitting stations connected by communications channels that permit the same program to be broadcast simultaneously from multiple stations over a very wide area;
• n. Any arrangement of electrical devices or elements connected together by conducting wires.
• n. A group of buildings connected by means of transportation and communication between them, and controlled by a central organization for a common purpose.
• intransitive v. To take steps to make and cultivate the acquaintance of people who can be helpful to oneself, especially in finding new employment, advancing to a higher position in one's occupation, or exchanging information.
• transitive v. To connect together into a network.

from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

• n. Anything formed in the manner or presenting the appearance of a net or of netting; work made of intersecting lines which form meshes or open spaces like those of a net; an openwork or reticulated fabric, structure, or appearance; interlacement; technically, anastomosis; inosculation; rete: as, a network of veins or nerves; a network of railways. See cut under latticeleaf.
• n. Netting decorated with darned work or other needlework. Compare net embroidery, under net.
• n. Work in metal or other tenacious and ductile material resembling a net in having large openings divided by slender solid parts. Compare fretwork.
• n. Ornamental threadwork used as a ground for various kinds of embroidery, especially when a set of parallel threads are made into a netting by other threads worked across them with the needle.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

• n. (electronics) a system of interconnected electronic components or circuits
• n. an interconnected system of things or people
• n. an open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
• v. communicate with and within a group
• n. a system of intersecting lines or channels
• n. (broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs