in computer science, any large group of smaller networks linked together and using the same communication rules (TCP/IP), not necessarily the public internet
Each campus built its own internet to connect research labs securely.
The engineers planned to merge several small networks into one internet.
✦ extends the original sense of “internet” from meaning the specific global network to any collection of networks linked by the internet protocol suite
a large, round object in space that travels around a star and shines by reflecting that star’s light
Scientists discovered a new planet orbiting a distant star.
Through a telescope, the children saw the rings of the planet Saturn.
✦ From Old French planete, from Latin planēta, from Ancient Greek planḗtēs “wanderer”, because planets appear to wander among the fixed stars.
a piece of mesh fixed to a frame or stretched across part of a sports area, marking goals or dividing players
The ball hit the net, and the crowd cheered.
She practiced serving until every shot cleared the tennis net.
a piece of loosely woven material with many small holes, used for catching fish, insects, or for holding or covering things
The fisherman threw his net into the river at dawn.
We hung a fine net over the fruit bowl to keep flies away.
to catch something or someone using a net
The fisherman netted a huge salmon.
We tried to net butterflies in the meadow.
to obtain a particular amount of money as profit
The concert netted over a million dollars for charity.
She hopes to net a small profit from selling her art.
a piece of furniture with doors and shelves or drawers used for storing things
Maria put the clean plates in the cabinet above the sink.
The living-room cabinet holds the family's photo albums and board games.
✦ From Middle French "cabinet" meaning a small room or chest, originally from Old French "cabane" (cabin).
the group of senior government ministers who advise the leader and make important decisions
The prime minister reshuffled the cabinet after the election.
Reporters waited to hear the decisions made during the cabinet meeting.
✦ Adopted in the 17th century for the private council that met in the monarch's small chamber, later generalized to any chief executive's group of advisers.
a young swan
The fluffy grey cygnet paddled close to its mother on the lake.
"Look, there's a tiny cygnet following the adult swans!" the excited bird-watcher whispered.
✦ Late Middle English, from Anglo-Norman French ‘cignet’, a diminutive of Old French ‘cigne’ meaning “swan”, which comes from Latin ‘cygnus’.
