wire-mesh
Meaning
a material made of wires that are woven or welded together in a grid pattern.
Structure
Usage
the garden was enclosed by a sturdy wire-mesh fence.
a wire-mesh screen was installed over the window for security.
the concrete slab is reinforced with a layer of wire-mesh.
Etymology
The compound 'wire-mesh' is a straightforward combination of two English nouns, each with deep Germanic roots. 'wire' traces back to Proto-Germanic 'wīraz', likely referring to a metal thread, while 'mesh' originates from a Proto-Germanic root for a loop or net, related to Old English 'mæscre'. The logic of the compound is transparently descriptive: it names a specific type of mesh (a network or grid) defined by its material (wire). This modern industrial term directly reflects the literal meanings of its components, combining them to specify a material used for fencing, screening, or reinforcement.
Analysis
'wire' (origin: Old English 'wīr', functional role: base noun denoting the material). 'mesh' (origin: Middle English 'mesche', from Old English 'mæscre', functional role: base noun denoting the structure).