intermesh

Intermesh is a general term describing the action or state of two or more elements becoming interwoven, interlocked, or interconnected. It is used across disciplines to indicate a stable, functional connection in which parts align and interact across boundaries, enabling transfer of motion, force, matter, or information.

In mechanical engineering, intermeshing refers to components whose teeth or features fit together to transmit motion and torque. The most familiar example is intermeshing gears, where gear teeth interlock to transfer rotation. Intermesh arrangements are chosen for smooth operation, compactness, and consistent tooth contact. The term is also used in relation to clutches, cams, and certain gear-train configurations to achieve specific engagement characteristics.

In textiles and materials science, intermesh describes the interlacing of fibers, filaments, or yarns. In nonwoven fabrics or woven structures, intermeshing contributes to fabric integrity, structural stability, and texture. The concept can also describe processes that bond materials by intertwining their micro-scale networks of fibers or filaments.

In computer networking and telecommunications, intermesh denotes the interconnection of separate mesh networks. Intermeshed mesh networks share routing information and coordinate access to extend coverage, improve resilience, and enable seamless handoffs between networks. The emphasis is on interoperability and redundancy within a distributed topology.

Intermesh derives from inter- plus mesh and is used as both a verb (to intermesh) and a noun (an intermesh) in technical writing, though it is not a formal term in every field. See also mesh, interlock, and interweave.