internet (n.)

1984, "the linked computer networks of the U.S. Defense Department," shortened from internetwork, inter-network, which was used from 1972 in reference to (then-hypothetical) networks involving many separate computers. From inter- "between" + network (n.). Associated Press style guide decapitalized it from 2016.

Entries linking to Internet

inter-

word-forming element used freely in English, "between, among, during," from Latin inter (prep., adv.) "among, between, betwixt, in the midst of" (also used extensively as a prefix), from PIE *enter "between, among" (source also of Sanskrit antar, Old Persian antar "among, between," Greek entera (plural) "intestines," Old Irish eter, Old Welsh ithr "among, between," Gothic undar, Old English under "under"), a comparative of root *en "in."

A living prefix in English from 15c. and used with Germanic as well as Latinate words. Spelled entre- in French; most words borrowed into English in that form were re-spelled 16c. to conform with Latin except entertain, enterprise. In Latin, spelling shifted to intel- before -l-, hence intelligence, etc.

network (n.)

1550s, "net-like arrangement of threads, wires, etc., anything formed in the manner of or presenting the appearance of a net or netting," from net (n.) + work (n.). Extended sense of "any complex, interlocking system" is from 1839 (originally in reference to transport by rivers, canals, and railways). Meaning "broadcasting system of multiple transmitters" is from 1914; sense of "interconnected group of people" is by 1934 in psychology jargon.

netiquette

netizen

See all related words (4) >

Share Internet

‘cite’

Page URL:

https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet

HTML Link:

<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet">Etymology of Internet by etymonline</a>

APA style:

Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of Internet. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved $(datetime), from https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet

Chicago style:

Harper Douglas, “Etymology of Internet,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed $(datetime), https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet.

MLA style:

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of Internet.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet. Accessed $(datetimeMla).

IEEE style:

D. Harper. “Etymology of Internet.” Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/Internet (accessed $(datetime)).

Definitions of internet

internet (n.)

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

Synonyms: net / cyberspace

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near internet

internationalism

internationalization

internationalize

internecine

internee

internet

interneuron

internist

internment

internship

interoffice