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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