The word ānāya is irregularly formed when the meaning is 'a net'.,
The word is thus formed in the sense of instrument. आ + नो + घञ् = आनायः 'a net' (by which they are caught); as आनायो मत्स्यानां 'a net for fish'; आनायो मृगाणाम् 'a net for wild deer &c'.,