Mesh Meaning
/mɛʃ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them.
nounThe opening or space enclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads enclosing such a space.
Sentence Examples
The demolition site is covered with plastic mesh to keep down the dust.
Ziri asked Rima if he could borrow her mesh skimmer.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The filter was made of a fine metal ____ that allowed water to flow through.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The screen door was made of a fine ____ to let the fresh air into the house while keeping the insects out.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English mesche, from Old English masc (“net”) (perhaps influenced in form by related Old English mæscre (“mesh, spot”)), from the related Proto-Germanic *maskwǭ and *maskrǭ respectively, from Proto-Indo-European *mezg- (“to knit, twist, plait”). Akin to Old High German māsca (“mesh”), Old Saxon maska (“net”), Old Norse mǫskvi, mǫskun (“mesh”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"a golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men"
— c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:
"The headliners — Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. — were alt rock acts that had turned the sound of disconnection into an audience almost two decades ago. Exactly how that was going to mesh with blue skies and umbrella drinks wasn’t clear to me."
— 2012 March 30, Joe Levy, “Rockers at Sea”, in The New York Times:
"I know how loue doth rage vpon a yelding minde:
How smal a net may take and meash a hart of gentle kinde"
— a. 1547, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, Description of the fickle affections, pangs, and slights of love:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The filter was made of a fine metal ____ that allowed water to flow through.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The screen door was made of a fine ____ to let the fresh air into the house while keeping the insects out.