INTERNET

internet, net, cyberspace

(noun) a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Proper noun

Internet

The specific internet consisting of a global network of computers that communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) and that use Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to identify the best paths to route those communications.

Usage notes

Usage in reference to the global network is normally capitalised, reserving internet with a lower-case i for any other set of computer networks connected by internetworking; however, some (chiefly British) media outlets such as the BBC and the Times refer to the global network with a lower-case i. Now typically prefaced by the article the.

Synonyms

• See also Internet

Anagrams

• renitent

(countable) Any set of computer networks that communicate using the Internet Protocol. (An intranet.)

The Internet, the largest global internet.

(uncountable) An internet connection, internet connectivity, access to the internet.

(countable, Internet slang, humorous) A fictitious unit of scoring, awarded for making outstanding posts.

Usage notes

• When referring to the global internet, the term is frequently capitalized: Internet. Over time, however, this is becoming less common.

• The internet, the World Wide Web, and cyberspace are often erroneously considered synonymous.

Verb

internet (third-person singular simple present internets, present participle internetting, simple past and past participle internetted)

(computing, informal) To use the Internet; to search for something using the Internet; to surf the Internet.