Weblike

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Resembling a web in structure or design, often implying an intricate or delicate arrangement of interconnected elements
2. Possessing qualities akin to a web, often reflecting complexity through an interlaced configuration of parts
3. Resembling the intricate and interconnected nature of a web, often indicating a delicate and complicated structure of elements involved

Etymology: "Weblike" is a plain compound of two English words. The first, "web," comes from Old English "webb," which traces back to the Proto-Germanic verb for weaving, so the idea of a web as something woven has been part of the word from the start. The second part, "-like," is the suffix that turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having the form or character of," as in "lifelike" or "childlike." Its ancestor is an Old English adjective "-līċ," which was originally a free-standing word meaning "body" or "form," so a weblike thing is literally one with the body or shape of a web. Joining the two gives the word its meaning: something whose structure resembles a web, with interlacing parts and a fine network of connections. The suffix is productive, meaning English speakers can attach it to almost any noun, so "weblike" is a natural formation rather than a deliberate coinage by any particular writer.

Synonyms: networked, interconnected, mesh-like, spiderweb-like, lattice-like

Antonyms: solid, unconnected, disjointed, isolated, separate