Main Entry: ¹gain

Pronunciation: \ˈgān\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English gayne, from Anglo-French gaigne, gain, from gaaigner to till, earn, gain, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German weidanōn to hunt for food, Old English wāth pursuit, hunt

Date: 14th century

1 : resources or advantage acquired or increased : profit <made substantial gains last year>
2 : the act or process of gaining
3 a : an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree <a gain in efficiency> b : the increase (as of voltage or signal intensity) caused by an amplifier; especially : the ratio of output over input c : the signal-gathering ability of an antenna