gain

verb

• 1obtain or secure (something wanted or desirable):we gained entry to the car in five seconds [with two objects]:their blend of acoustic pop gained them several chart hits
• [no object] benefit:managers would gain from greater openness
• archaic win over to one’s interest or views:to gratify the queen, and gain the court

• 2reach or arrive at (a destination):we gained the ridge
• [no object] (gain on) come closer to (a person or thing pursued):a huge bear was gaining on him with every stride

• 3increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed):she had gained weight since her wedding
• [no object] increase in value:shares gained for the third day in a row
• [no object] (gain in) improve or advance in (some respect):canoeing is gaining in popularity
• (of a clock or watch) become fast by (a specific amount of time):this atomic clock will neither gain nor lose a second in the next 1 million years

noun

• 1an increase in wealth or resources:the pursuit of personal gain [count noun]:shares showed gains of up to 21 per cent
• a thing that is achieved or acquired:the potential gain from rail privatization would be a more commercial railway

• 2the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm: an amplifier of high gain