gross

UK: ɡrəʊs | US: ɡroʊs

Definition

  1. adj. 1. extremely unpleasant; repulsive

  2. adj. 2. total or whole (before deductions)

  3. adj. 3. glaringly obvious; flagrant

  4. n. 1. a unit of quantity equal to 144 items

  5. vt. 1. to earn a specified amount before deductions

Structure
gross <large, thick>
Etymology

The word "gross" traces back to Latin grossus, meaning "thick, coarse, or large." It entered Old French as gros, retaining similar meanings, and later Middle English as "gross." Over time, its semantic range expanded:

  1. The original sense of "thick/large" evolved into "total" (e.g., gross weight).
  2. The connotation of "coarse" led to meanings like "vulgar" or "repulsive" (16th century).
  3. The "144 items" meaning arose from Medieval Latin grossus ("large quantity"), referring to a dozen dozens.
Examples

  1. The spoiled food emitted a gross smell.

  2. The company’s gross revenue reached $1 million this year.

  3. His behavior was a gross violation of the rules.

  4. She bought a gross of pencils for the classroom.

  5. The actor grossed $50 million from his latest film.