gear
gear Lexical Profile
gear Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Equipment, apparatus, or clothing that is required or used for a particular activity or purpose.
"We need to pack our camping gear before it gets too dark."
A specific setting, arrangement, or state of engagement in a motor vehicle's transmission system.
"She shifted into second gear as the car began to climb the steep hill."
A rotating machine part having cut teeth or cogs, which mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque and alter speed or direction.
"The mechanic had to replace a broken gear inside the engine's timing system."
• verb
To design, adapt, or adjust something so that it is suitable for a particular purpose, situation, or audience.
"The new marketing campaign is geared towards younger consumers."
To provide or equip with necessary apparatus or clothing.
"The soldiers were geared up and ready for the impending mission."
To connect or engage by means of toothed wheels (often in a machine).
"The driving wheel is designed to gear with the smaller pinion below it."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to equipment or clothing, 'gear' is typically an uncountable noun (e.g., 'camping gear'). When referring to mechanical toothed wheels or transmission states, it functions as a countable noun (e.g., 'five forward gears').
• Rhymes for gear
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'gere', derived from Old Norse 'gervi' meaning 'apparel' or 'equipment', ultimately related to the Old Norse verb 'gera' (to make, do).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.