gain: Meaning and Definition of

gain

1. to get (something desired), esp. as a result of one's efforts: to gain possession of an object; to gain permission to enter a country.
2. to acquire as an increase or addition: to gain weight; to gain speed.
3. to obtain as a profit: He gained ten dollars by this deal.
4. to win; get in competition: to gain the prize.
5. to win (someone) to one's own side or point of view; persuade (sometimes fol. by over): to gain supporters.
6. (of a watch or clock) to run fast by (a specified amount): My watch gains six minutes a day.
7. to reach, esp. by effort; get to; arrive at: to gain one's destination.

1. to improve; make progress; advance: to gain in health after an illness.
2. to get nearer, as in pursuit (usually fol. by on or upon): Our horse was gaining on the favorite at the far turn.
3. to draw away from or farther ahead of the other contestants in a race, one's pursuers, etc. (usually fol. by on or upon).
4. (of a watch or clock) to run fast.
5. to progress or advance, as in value, strength, or achievement: The company's new products are gaining ground in suburban areas.
6. to arrange a postponement or delay for a particular purpose, esp. by roundabout means.

1. profit or advantage.
2. an increase or advance.
3. profits or winnings.
4. the act of gaining; acquisition.
1. a measure of the increase in signal amplitude produced by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input.
2. the effectiveness of a directional antenna as compared with a standard, nondirectional one.
6. the volume control of a radio, phonograph, amplifier, etc.

gain

1. a notch, dado, or mortise cut into a piece of wood, as to receive another piece or to house a flap of a hinge.
2. tusk (def. 4).
3. a short rabbet, for receiving a flap of a butt hinge.

1. to make a gain or gains in.
2. to fasten or support by means of a gain.