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electronic network

electronic network

1 3.9
An electrical system of connected parts that sends or changes signals between devices
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛktrɒnɪk ˈnɛtˌwɜrk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : red electrónica
  • The researchers connected the sensors to an electronic network to monitor environmental changes.
  • use of electronic network

Examples

  • This became one of the largest electronic networks for physical educators.

    Academic text (2002)
  • About four in ten new students plugged into the electronic network prior to arriving at the Bloomington campus.

    Blog text (16)
  • I called several researchers who study gay and lesbian issues, and, with my friend's help, posted questions on electronic networks of gay and lesbian scientists.

    Academic text (1995)
  • As the use of these electronic networks increases, managed care organizations will need to pay particular attention to data security and the protection of confidentiality of patient information in their computer systems.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The Internet, an electronic network linking computers throughout the world, invites teachers to explore its uses for writing instruction because it is a text-based environment.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Managed care organizations will be directly affected by regional and national efforts to establish electronic networks and databases for claims processing, as well as storage and retrieval of patient records.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The project will use communications and educational technologies, including computers, two-way video, laser discs, and electronic networks and data services, as a means of achieving its objectives.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Electronic commerce—the use of electronic networks to process transactions—is like a tidal wave you can see from the beach.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Much can also be gained by using electronic networks, such as the eMERGE Network, which collects genetic materials from patients to develop large-scale genetic research studies (Masys, 2014).

    Academic text (2015)
  • WEDI, which includes representatives of government, health insurers, and providers, is charged with developing specifications for a national electronic network and a database for simplifying claims processing and reducing administrative costs in the healthcare system.

    Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

network
vselectronic network
  • Specialized
262 3.9

A system of connected electronic parts that pass signals or power

is the same meaning but emphasizes signal transmission and electrical functions
circuitry
vselectronic network
  • Specialized
45 5.4

A system of electrical parts and connections inside electronic devices

is broader covering whole interconnected systems used to transmit signals

How Big

Internet
  • Texting
597 1.6
wide area network
  • Specialized
1 3.3
electronic network
  • Specialized
1 3.9
local area network
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

electronic + network

The meaning 'a system of interconnected electronic components' is directly and predictably derived from combining 'electronic' (relating to electronic technology) with 'network' (an interconnected system). This adjective+noun composition is a regular, productive pattern in English (and many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand the phrase.

Etymology

Electronic network combines electronic, meaning 'using electricity and small parts', with network, meaning 'many things joined like roads or a web'. Imagine wires and small devices sending messages along those links, and you see why it means 'a system of connected parts that send signals or work together'.