gross etymology

Etymology:

The word "gross" originates from Old French "gros," meaning "thick," "coarse," or "fat." It is derived from the Late Latin word "grossus," with similar meanings.

Meaning:

  • Adjective:

    • Large in size or amount
    • Obvious or blatant
    • Vulgar or offensive
    • Unpleasant or disgusting
  • Noun:

    • A group or whole (e.g., "the gross of us")
    • A dozen dozen (144)
    • A unit of weight (3.6 kilograms)

Origin:

The word "gross" entered English in the 13th century from Old French. It originally referred to something that was thick or coarse in texture, such as a piece of cloth or a person's body. Over time, the meaning expanded to include anything large, blatant, or offensive.

Usage:

The word "gross" is commonly used in a variety of contexts:

  • To describe something that is large or excessive (e.g., "a gross amount of money")
  • To emphasize the obviousness or blatant nature of something (e.g., "a gross error")
  • To express disgust or disapproval (e.g., "a gross idea")
  • To refer to a group or whole (e.g., "the gross of national domestic product")
  • To indicate a unit of weight or measurement (e.g., "a gross of pencils")

gross relate terms

  • neat

    Etymology The word neat has an interesting etymology with multiple meanings and origin

  • coarse

    Etymology Middle English from Old French cors coure coarse from Latin crussus hard

  • course

    Etymology The word course comes from the Old French word curs which means a running

  • mean

    Etymology Old English mǣne Proto Germanic mainiz Proto Indo European mei to think

  • ornery

    Etymology The word ornery comes from the Latin word ornāre which means to adorn or

  • gross

    Etymology The word gross originates from Old French gros meaning thick coarse