Mesh vs. Net: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Mesh is a material made of intersecting fibers or wires with regular gaps, while net is a similar grid-like structure specifically designed for catching or holding.
Key Differences
Mesh refers to a network of connected strands, often metal, plastic, or fabric, creating a sieve-like structure with uniformly sized openings. Net, on the other hand, typically refers to a more flexible, grid-like fabric or structure, often used for trapping or containing objects.
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Dec 29, 2023
The construction of mesh often involves rigid and durable materials, making it ideal for industrial filtering or reinforcing. In contrast, nets are usually made from more flexible materials like nylon or rope, designed for tasks like fishing or safety applications.
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Dec 29, 2023
Mesh is characterized by its uniformity in weave and hole size, which is crucial in applications like filtration where consistency is key. Nets may not have this uniformity, as their design is often optimized for flexibility and coverage rather than precise filtering.
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Dec 29, 2023
In terms of usage, mesh is often found in scenarios requiring strength and durability, such as in screens or automotive applications. Nets are more commonly associated with dynamic or temporary uses like sports, fishing, or cargo securing.
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Dec 29, 2023
Lastly, the term "mesh" is also used metaphorically to describe interconnectivity in systems or networks, while "net" often metaphorically represents a safety or security system.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Material
Often metal, plastic, or fabric
Typically softer materials like nylon or rope
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Metaphorical Use
Symbolizes interconnectivity
Represents safety or security net
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Mesh and Net Definitions
Mesh
A network of connected strands forming a barrier with uniform gaps.
The window was covered with a fine mesh to keep insects out.
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Dec 29, 2023
Net
A fabric made from a network of wire, rope, or thread, designed to catch, hold, or contain.
The fisherman cast his net into the sea, hoping for a big catch.
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Net
A device made of fibers woven in a grid-like structure, used in sports.
The soccer ball flew into the goal net with a satisfying swoosh.
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Net
Symbolically, a safety or protective measure.
Social welfare programs provide a safety net for the most vulnerable.
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Mesh
An openwork fabric or structure; a net or network
A screen made of wire mesh.
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Oct 19, 2023
Net
An openwork fabric made of threads or cords that are woven or knotted together at regular intervals.
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Mesh
Often meshes Something that snares or entraps
"Arabia had become entangled in the meshes of ... politics" (W. Montgomery Watt).
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Net
A fine mesh fabric used as curtain or dress material or as the foundation for various laces.
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Net
A barrier of meshwork cord or rope strung between two posts to divide a court in half, as in tennis and badminton.
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Mesh
A structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them.
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Mesh
The opening or space enclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads enclosing such a space.
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Mesh
A measure of fineness (particle size) of ground material. A powder that passes through a sieve having 300 openings per linear inch but does not pass 400 openings per linear inch is said to be -300 +400 mesh.
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Mesh
(electronics) In mesh analysis: a loop in a electric circuit (to which Kirchhoff's voltage law can be applied).
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Net
To acquire or obtain
An investment that netted a hefty profit.
A personal ad that netted a dozen responses.
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Mesh
To fit in; to come together harmoniously.
The music meshed well with the visuals in that film.
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Net
To cover, protect, or surround with a net or network
"The heart [is] netted with a maze of curving blood vessels that send blood through it in swirling patterns" (Jennifer Ackerman).
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Oct 19, 2023
Mesh
The opening or space inclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads inclosing such a space; network; a net.
A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men.
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Mesh
The number of opening per inch of a screen; measures size of particles;
A 100 mesh screen
100 mesh powdered cellulose
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Net
Remaining after all deductions have been made, as for expenses
Net profit.
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Mesh
Contact by fitting together;
The engagement of the clutch
The meshing of gears
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Mesh
The topology of a network whose components are all connected directly to every other component
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Mesh
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
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Mesh
The act of interlocking or meshing;
An interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check
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Net
A device made from such mesh, used for catching fish, butterflies, etc.
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Net
(geometry) Of a polyhedron, any set of polygons joined edge to edge that, when folded along the edges between adjoining polygons so that the outer edges touch, form the polyhedron.
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Mesh
Interlocking metal, fiber, or other flexible material used for filtering.
The machine uses a steel mesh to separate larger particles.
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Net
A system that interconnects a number of users, locations etc. allowing transport or communication between them.
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Mesh
A structure resembling a woven fabric, typically used in industrial or technical contexts.
The mesh in the garden fence provided both privacy and airflow.
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Net
(electronics) A conductor that interconnects two or more component terminals.
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Mesh
A complex interlacing or intertwining of elements or threads.
The story's intricate plot was like a tightly woven mesh of events.
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Net
(sports) A framework backed by a mesh, serving as the goal in hockey, soccer, lacrosse, etc.
The striker headed the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
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Mesh
Metaphorically, a network or system with interconnected elements.
The company's global operations formed a vast mesh of partnerships.
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Net
A mesh stretched to divide the court in tennis, badminton, volleyball, etc.
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Net
The area of the court close to the net (mesh stretched to divide the court).
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Net
(transitive) To yield as profit for.
The scam netted the criminals $30,000.
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Net
To fully hedge a position.
Every party is netting their position with a counter-party
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Net
A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds, butterflies, etc.
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Net
Anything designed or fitted to entrap or catch; a snare; any device for catching and holding.
A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.
In the church's net there are fishes good or bad.
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Net
Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
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Net
A figure made up of a large number of straight lines or curves, which are connected at certain points and related to each other by some specified law.
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Net
To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.
And now I am here, netted and in the toils.
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Net
To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand dollars by the operation.
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Net
Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat; as, net wine, etc.
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Net
Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter, as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges, deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight, etc.
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Net
A computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
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Net
The excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
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Net
Game equipment consisting of a strip of netting dividing the playing area in tennis or badminton
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Net
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
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Net
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
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Net
An arrangement of intersecting threads, cords, or ropes forming a barrier or trap.
Butterflies were gently captured using a lightweight net.
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Net
The remaining amount or value after deductions, like in finance.
After taxes, his net income was significantly lower than his gross pay.
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Dec 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What materials are used for making mesh?
Mesh is often made from metal, plastic, or fabric.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can mesh be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can represent interconnectivity or complexity.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can net be used for safety purposes?
Yes, nets are often used in safety applications like construction or sports.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is mesh suitable for filtration processes?
Yes, its uniform openings make it ideal for filtration.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is net only used for catching things?
No, it can also be used for protection, like in cargo securing.
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Dec 29, 2023
What's a common use of net in sports?
Nets are used in goals for soccer, basketball, and other sports.
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Are nets always made of soft materials?
Typically, nets are made from more flexible materials like nylon.
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Is netting used in building construction?
Yes, for safety measures like debris netting.
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Can mesh be used in electronic applications?
Yes, like in electromagnetic shielding.
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Is mesh primarily used indoors or outdoors?
Mesh can be used in both settings, depending on its material.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does net always refer to a physical object?
No, it can also refer to conceptual ideas like a safety net.
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Dec 29, 2023
What's the difference between a fishing net and a mesh?
Fishing nets are designed to catch fish, while mesh is more for filtering or screening.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can mesh be a part of clothing?
Yes, it's often used in athletic wear for breathability.
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Dec 29, 2023
Do meshes have different shapes and sizes of openings?
Yes, they can vary depending on the intended use.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can nets be used in environmental conservation?
Yes, like in animal rescue or habitat protection efforts.
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Are mesh sizes standardized?
Yes, mesh sizes are often standardized, especially in industrial uses.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is mesh used in fashion?
Yes, especially as a decorative or functional fabric.
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Dec 29, 2023
Are nets commonly used in agriculture?
Yes, for purposes like bird protection or crop containment.
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Dec 29, 2023
Do nets play a role in transportation?
Yes, for securing cargo during transport.
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Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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