Definition

1. Noun:

   • A network of fine threads constructed by a spider: The structure spun by spiders to catch prey.
   • A complex system or interconnected structure: An intricate arrangement of connected elements, such as people, things, or ideas.
   • The flattened, vane-like part of a feather: The series of barbs extending from the central shaft of a feather.
   • A membrane connecting the digits of aquatic animals: The skin between the toes of animals like ducks or frogs.
   • A woven fabric, especially while on the loom: Fabric in the process of being woven.

2. Verb:

   • To construct or form a web: To make an interconnected structure, like a spider weaving its web.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The spider spun a delicate web between the branches.
  • The city is a web of streets and alleys.
  • He was caught in a web of lies and deceit.
  • The duck's feet are adapted for swimming with a web of skin.
  • The web of the feather gives it its aerodynamic properties.

• Verb:

  • The spiders web the corners of the old shed every night.

Advanced Usage

• "A tangled web": A very complicated and confusing situation, often involving deception.
  • The scandal was a tangled web of corruption and cover-ups.
• "To weave a web": To create a complex, often deceptive, situation or story.
  • The author wove a web of intrigue that kept readers guessing until the end.

Variants and Related Words

• Webbed (adj): Having toes connected by a web of skin.
  • Ducks have webbed feet for efficient swimming.
• Webbing (n): A strong, woven fabric in strip form, or the act of forming a web.
  • The seat was made of durable nylon webbing.
• World Wide Web (WWW) (n, proper noun): An information system on the internet consisting of interconnected documents and resources.
  • She found the article on the World Wide Web.

Synonyms

• Network: A system of interconnected people or things.
• Mesh: A material made of a network of wire or thread.
• Labyrinth: A complicated, irregular network of passages; a maze.
• Tangle: A confused mass of something twisted together.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Web" is not commonly used as a component in phrasal verbs. Its verbal use is typically direct.)

Related Idioms

• "A web of intrigue": A situation full of secret planning and conspiracy.
  • The political drama was a web of intrigue.
• "Spin a web": To create a complex story or situation.
  • The detective had to unravel the story the suspect had spun like a web.

Noun

1. membrane connecting the toes of some aquatic birds and mammals
2. a fabric (especially a fabric in the process of being woven)
3. computer network consisting of a collection of internet sites that offer text and graphics and sound and animation resources through the hypertext transfer protocol
4. an interconnected system of things or people
   • he owned a network of shops
   • retirement meant dropping out of a whole network of people who had been part of my life
   • tangled in a web of cloth
5. the flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft
6. an intricate trap that entangles or ensnares its victim
7. an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving
   • the trees cast a delicate web of shadows over the lawn

Verb

1. construct or form a web, as if by weaving