2 N‑COUNT A network of people or institutions is a large number of them that have a connection with each other and work together as a system. □ [+ of ] Distribution of the food is going ahead using a network of local volunteers. □ He is keen to point out the benefits which the family network can provide.
3 → see also old-boy network
4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A particular network is a system of things which are connected and which operate together. For example, a computer network consists of a number of computers that are part of the same system. □ [+ with ] …a computer network with 154 terminals. □ Huge sections of the rail network are out of action.
5 → see also neural network
6 N‑COUNT A radio or television network is a company or group of companies that broadcasts radio or television programmes throughout an area. □ An American network says it has obtained the recordings.
7 VERB [usu passive] When a television or radio programme is networked , it is broadcast at the same time by several different television companies. □ [be V -ed] Lumsdon would like to see his programme sold and networked. □ [V -ed] He had once had his own networked chat show.
8 VERB If you network , you try to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job. [BUSINESS ] □ [V + with ] In business, it is important to network with as many people as possible. [Also V ] SYNONYMS network NOUN 1
maze: The children lead me through the maze of alleys to the edge of the city.
warren: …a warren of narrow streets.
labyrinth: …the labyrinth of corridors.
system: …Australia's road and rail system.
structure: The feet are highly specialised structures made up of 26 small delicate bones.
grid: …a grid of narrow streets.
ne t|work ca rd (network cards ) or network interface card N‑COUNT A network card or a network interface card is a card that connects a computer to a network. [COMPUTING ]
net|work|ing /ne twɜː r k I ŋ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Networking is the process of trying to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job, often through social activities. [BUSINESS ] □ If executives fail to exploit the opportunities of networking they risk being left behind.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the things associated with a computer system or the process of establishing such a system as networking . □ It offers training including web development and IT networking. □ …computer and networking equipment.
neu|ral /njʊə rəl, [AM ] nʊ r-/ ADJ Neural means relating to a nerve or to the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □ …neural pathways in the brain.
neu|ral|gia /njʊəræ ldʒə, [AM ] nʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Neuralgia is very severe pain along the whole length of a nerve caused when the nerve is damaged or not working properly. [MEDICAL ]
neu |ral ne t|work (neural networks ) N‑COUNT In computing, a neural network is a program or system which is modelled on the human brain and is designed to imitate the brain's method of functioning, particularly the process of learning.
PREFIX neuro-
is used to form words that refer or relate to a nerve or the nervous system. For example, a neurotransmitter is a chemical by which nerve cells communicate.
neu|ro|logi|cal /njʊə rəlɒ dʒ I k ə l, [AM ] nʊ r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Neurological means related to the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □ …neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
neu|rol|ogy /njʊərɒ lədʒi, [AM ] nʊr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Neurology is the study of the structure, function, and diseases of the nervous system. [MEDICAL ] □ He trained in neurology at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases. ● neu|rolo|gist (neurologists ) N‑COUNT □ She is a consultant neurologist at Imperial College London.
neu|ron /njʊə rɒn, [AM ] nʊ r-/ (neurons ) also neurone
1 N‑COUNT A neuron is a cell which is part of the nervous system. Neurons send messages to and from the brain. [TECHNICAL ] □ Information is transferred along each neuron by means of an electrical impulse.
2 → see also motor neurone disease
neu|ro|sis /njʊəroʊ s I s, [AM ] nʊr-/ (neuroses /njʊəroʊ s I ːz, [AM ] nʊr-/) N‑VAR Neurosis is a mental condition which causes people to have unreasonable fears and worries over a long period of time. □ He was anxious to the point of neurosis. □ [+ about ] She got a neurosis about chemicals and imagined them everywhere doing her harm.
neu|rot|ic /njʊərɒ t I k, [AM ] nʊr-/ (neurotics ) ADJ If you say that someone is neurotic , you mean that they are always frightened or worried about things that you consider unimportant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] He was almost neurotic about being followed. ● N‑COUNT A neurotic is someone who is neurotic. □ These patients are not neurotics.
neu|ter /njuː tə r , [AM ] nuː t-/ (neuters , neutering , neutered )
1 VERB [usu passive] When an animal is neutered , its reproductive organs are removed so that it cannot create babies. □ [have n V -ed] We ask the public to have their dogs neutered and keep them under close supervision.
2 VERB To neuter an organization, group, or person means to make them powerless and ineffective. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] …the Government's 'hidden agenda' to neuter local authorities. □ [be V -ed] Their air force had been neutered before the work began.