noun

1. an increase; addition; specif.,
   1. an increase in wealth, earnings, etc.; profit; winnings
   2. an increase in advantage; advantage; improvement
2. the act of getting something; acquisition; accumulation
3. Electronics
   1. an increase in signal strength when transmitted from one point to another: often expressed in decibels
   2. the ratio of the output current, voltage, or power of an amplifier, receiver, etc. to the respective input

Etymology: ME < OFr gaaigne < gaaignier: see gainthe

transitive verb

1. to get by labor; earn to gain a livelihood
2. 1. to get by effort or merit, as in competition; win
   2. 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

Etymology: 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

intransitive verb

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.

noun

Etymology: < ?