what is Ethernet?

Sounds like someone has a homework assignment and doesn't want to do the research..

Ether
Ether is a class of organic compounds which contain an ether group ? an oxygen atom connected to two (substituted) alkyl or aryl groups ? of general formula R?O?R'.[1] A typical example is the solvent and anesthetic diethyl ether, commonly referred to simply as "ether" (ethoxyethane, CH3-CH2-O-CH2-CH3).

Net
A net, in its primary meaning, comprises fibers woven in a grid-like structure. It blocks the passage of large items, while letting small items and fluids pass. It requires less material than something sheet-like, and allows seeing through.

Soooo an ethernet is;

a class of organic compounds which contain an ether group ? an oxygen atom connected to two (substituted) alkyl or aryl groups. That are comprised of fibers woven in a grid-like structure.

HEh I guess thats not the definition Robert Metcalfe would have stated. ;)

was first deployed in the late 1840's by a man named J.D. Clyde. He tumbled upon it while searching for a better way to receive girly pictures on his telegraph.

At this time the Ethernet is used all over the world as a means of receiving all manner of girly pictures on things called computers. For this reason the world will be forever in J.D.'s debt.