Please help with a sentence

Question

I don't understand the idea of "to string mesh nets around". What would that be

I found the patch a few years ago, but Gale had the idea to string mesh nets around it to keep out the animals.

Thank you very much.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Anybody please?

JohnParis · Answer

This is a great example of how using your dictionary can help you solve the problem.
First, check the meaning of the verb "to string". Then look for the second meaning of the noun "mesh". Then find the meaning of the noun "net."
Give it a try and let me know if you're still confused.

Anonymous · Answer

I did check the dictionary.

To string means to put the net together around that area they were harvesting.

Mesh is basically the same as net, that's what dictionary says.

This is why I'm confused. If mesh is basically a net, what is then mesh net?

JohnParis · Answer

Good work.
The key to understanding this is that mesh is generally made from metal (wire).
That's the first word of the 2nd definition from my dictionary.
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/mesh?q=mesh

Although mesh is a noun, it's use here is adjectival to distinguish between a net made from wire and one made from thread.
So, a paraphrase of your original sentence might look something like this:
They strung a wire net around the area they were harvesting.

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