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gained
2 dictionary results for: Gained
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
gain 1       (gān)  Pronunciation Key 
v.   gained, gain·ing, gains

v.   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.
    1. To manage to achieve an increase of: a movement that gained strength; gained wisdom with age.
    2. 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.
    1. To close a gap; get closer: The runners in the back gained steadily on the leader.
    2. 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. Something gained or acquired: territorial gains.
    2. 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.


[From Middle English gayne, booty (from Old French gaigne, gain, gain, from gaaignier, to gain, of Germanic origin; see weiə- in Indo-European roots) and Middle English gein, advantage (from Old Norse gegn, ready, and from Old French gain, gain).]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
gain 2       (gān)  Pronunciation Key 
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.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book)
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
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