gain

gain

gain¹ [gān]

n.

[ME < OFr gaaigne < gaaignier: see GAIN¹ the vt.]

1. an increase; addition; specif.,

a) [often pl.] an increase in wealth, earnings, etc.; profit; winnings

b) an increase in advantage; advantage; improvement

2. the act of getting something; acquisition; accumulation

3. Electronics

a) an increase in signal strength when transmitted from one point to another: often expressed in decibels

b) the ratio of the output current, voltage, or power of an amplifier, receiver, etc. to the respective input

vt.

[ME gainen, to profit, be of use < OFr gaaignier < Frank * waidanjan, to work, earn, akin to OHG weidenen, to pasture < weide, pasture < IE * witi-, a hunting after < base * wei-, to go, hunt > L via, way, vis, strength]

1. to get by labor; earn [to gain a livelihood]

2.

a) to get by effort or merit, as in competition; win

b) to cause to be directed toward oneself or itself; attract [to gain one's interest]

3. to get as an increase, addition, profit, or advantage [to gain ten pounds]

4. to make an increase in [to gain speed]

5. to go faster by [my watch gained two minutes]

6. to get to; arrive at; reach

vi.

1. to make progress; improve or advance, as in health, business, etc.

2. to acquire wealth or profit

3. to increase in weight; become heavier

4. to be fast; said of a clock, etc.

SYN.- GETREACH

——————

gain on

1. to draw nearer to (an opponent in a race, etc.)

2. to make more progress than (a competitor)

——————

gain over

to win over to one's side

☆ gain² [gān ]

n.

[< ?]

Carpentry a groove or mortise, as in a piece of wood, into which another piece can be fitted