gain
 I. gain1 (gān)v. gained, gain·ing, gainsv. tr.
1. To come into possession or use of; acquire:
gained a small fortune in real estate; gained vital information about the enemy's plans.
2. To attain in competition or struggle; win:
gained a decisive victory; gained control of the company.
3. To obtain through effort or merit; achieve:
gain recognition; gain a hearing for the proposal.
4. To secure as profit or reward; earn:
gain a living; gain extra credits in school.
5.
a. To manage to achieve an increase of:
a movement that gained strength; gained wisdom with age.
b. To increase by (a specific amount):
gained 15 pounds; the market gained 30 points.
6. To come to; reach:
gained the top of the mountain.
See Synonyms at reach.
7. To become fast by (a specified amount of time). Used of a timepiece:
My watch gains four minutes a day.v. intr.
1. To increase; grow:
gained in experience and maturity; a painting that gained in value.
2. To become better; improve:
gaining in health.
3. To obtain a profit or advantage; benefit:
stood to gain politically by his opponent's blunder.
4.
a. To close a gap; get closer:
The runners in the back gained steadily on the leader.
b. To increase a lead.
5. To put on weight:
I began to gain when I went off my diet.
6. To operate or run fast. Used of a timepiece.n.
1.
a. Something gained or acquired:
territorial gains.
b. Progress; advancement:
The country made economic gains under the new government.
2. The act of acquiring; attainment.
3. An increase in amount or degree:
a gain in operating income.
4. Electronics. An increase in signal power, voltage, or current by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input. Also called amplification.Idioms:gain ground
To progress, advance, or increase:
Stock prices gained ground yesterday.gain time
1. To run too fast. Used of a timepiece.
2. To delay or prolong something until a desired event occurs. [From Middle English gayne, booty (from Old French gaigne, gain, gain, from gaaignier, to gain, of Germanic origin. See weiə- in Indo-European Roots), Middle English gein, advantage (from Old Norse gegn, ready,, and from Old French gain, gain).] II. gain2 (gān)n.
A notch or mortise cut into a board to receive another part.tr.v. gained, gain·ing, gains
1. To cut out a gain in.
2. To join by or fit into a gain. [Origin unknown.]
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