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Original · left

Spider web

A delicate, geometric network of sticky silk threads constructed by spiders to ensnare insects.

First in use: ancient / pre-modern
Duplicate · right

World Wide Web

The World Wide Web; an interconnected system of hyperlinked public pages accessible via the internet through HTTP protocols.

First in use: c. 1989

Web / Spider web / World Wide Web

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Silk vs. Tim Berners-Lee.

Which meaning of Web is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Spider web came first (ancient / pre-modern). World Wide Web arrived in 1989. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Spider webWorld Wide Web
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

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The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · ancient / pre-modern

Spider web

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Duplicate · c. 1989

World Wide Web

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More duplicated terms

Internet & gaming culture