gear

gear · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A toothed wheel that works with others to alter the relation between the speed of a driving mechanism and the speed of the driven parts.

  2. 2.

    Equipment or apparatus, especially for a particular purpose or activity.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Personal belongings or clothes.

  4. 4.

    (as a verb) To adjust or adapt something to a particular purpose.

Forms

plural: gears

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in gear — engaged and working (of a mechanism); functioning properly
  • •
    out of gear — disconnected; not functioning
  • •
    gear up — to prepare for action
  • •
    high gear/low gear — different settings of mechanical advantage

Related words

See also: apparatus, cog, equipment, mechanism
Synonyms: apparatus, cog, equipment, stuff

Etymology

From Old Norse gervi ("apparel, gear"), related to gørva ("to make ready"). Originally referred to equipment or dress, later extending to mechanical meanings.