Mesh Names the Holes, Not the Threads
Mesh is a net-like material of connected strands. The word originally meant the space between the strands.
Mesh is a material made of connected strands with open spaces between them, and also the act of fitting together. The oldest sense names the openings rather than the threads: a net's *mesh* was the hole, which is why a sieve is still rated by mesh size and why fish smaller than the mesh escape. The engaging sense, as of gear teeth, is a later extension, giving *mesh* the figurative meaning of working well together.
- Net-like fabric. *Wire mesh.*
- The opening. *A fine mesh.*
- To engage. *The gears mesh.*
- To fit together. *Their plans mesh.*
- Old English — *max*, a net. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | mesh | Mesh. |
| Plural | meshes | Meshes. |
| Verb | mesh | Meshing. |
| Adjective | meshed | Meshed. |
| Dutch | maas | A mesh. |
- A fine wire mesh.Material.
- The gears mesh smoothly.Engineering.
- Their styles mesh well.Figurative.
How mesh size is counted
- Mesh number counts openings per linear inch
- A higher number means a finer sieve
- 100 mesh passes far smaller particles than 20 mesh
- The count describes the holes, matching the old sense
- Wire thickness is quoted separately
Probably from Old English *max*, a net, related to Dutch *maas* and German *Masche*.
Does mesh mean the threads or the holes?
Originally the holes. That sense survives in sieve ratings, where mesh number counts openings per inch.
What does it mean when gears mesh?
Their teeth engage and drive each other. The figurative sense of people or plans meshing comes from this.