mesh

[mesh]

noun

1. any knit, woven, or knotted fabric of open texture.

2. an interwoven or intertwined structure; network.

   Synonyms: grid, screen, grill, netting, web

3. any arrangement of interlocking metal links or wires with evenly spaced, uniform small openings between, as used in jewelry or sieves.

4. one of the open spaces between the cords or ropes of a net.

5. meshes,

   1. the threads that bind such spaces.

   2. the means of catching or holding fast.

      to be caught in the meshes of the law.

6. Machinery.,  the engagement of gear teeth.

7. Electricity.,  a set of branches that forms a closed path in a network so that removal of a branch results in an open path.

8. Metallurgy.,  a designation of a given fineness of powder used in powder metallurgy in terms of the number of the finest screen through which almost all the particles will pass.

   This powder is 200 mesh.

verb (used with object)

1. to catch or entangle in or as if in a net; enmesh.

2. to form with meshes, as a net.

3. Machinery.,  to engage, as gear teeth.

4. to cause to match, coordinate, or interlock.

   They tried to mesh their vacation plans.

verb (used without object)

1. to become enmeshed.

2. Machinery.,  to become or be engaged, as the teeth of one gear with those of another.

3. to match, coordinate, or interlock.

   The two versions of the story don't mesh.

mesh

/ mɛʃ /

noun

1. a network; net

2. an open space between the strands of a network

3. (often plural) the strands surrounding these spaces

4. anything that ensnares, or holds like a net

   the mesh of the secret police

5. the engagement of teeth on interacting gearwheels

   the gears are in mesh

6. a measure of spacing of the strands of a mesh or grid, expressed as the distance between strands for coarse meshes or a number of strands per unit length for fine meshes

verb

1. to entangle or become entangled

2. (of gear teeth) to engage or cause to engage

3. to coordinate (with)

   to mesh with a policy

4. to work or cause to work in harmony

Other Word Forms

• intermesh verb (used without object)
• mismesh verb
• unmesh verb (used with object)
• meshy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesh¹

1375–1425; late Middle English mesch, apparently continuing Old English masc, max; akin to Old High German māsca, Middle Dutch maesche

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesh¹

C16: probably from Dutch maesche; related to Old English masc, Old High German masca

Example Sentences

Rather than a singular large park like New York’s Central Park or Boston Common, the city could develop an ecological mesh, a “sponge city” capable of managing stormwater and heat while fostering public life.

From Los Angeles Times

While Moss said he was grateful to play at USC, he said he’s drawing from positives as he meshes with a new team and works with Louisville coach Jeff Brohm and his staff.

From Los Angeles Times

That makes Pochettino’s task during the next year a simple one: he must find a way mesh the intangibles developed this summer with the talent he’ll need to win next summer.

From Los Angeles Times

This included a government apology, mesh complication centres and appointing a patient safety commissioner for England.

From BBC

For the brand, the collection’s centerpiece was the materials: twill, mesh, kasuri cotton, leather, jacquard, wool.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincide 
• combine 
• coordinate 
• dovetail 
• fit 
• harmonize 
• knit