am·pli·fi·ca·tion (ăḿplə-fĭ-kā́shən)

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noun 

1. The act or result of amplifying, enlarging, or extending.
2. 1. An addition to or expansion of a statement or idea.
   2. A statement with such an addition.
3. Physics
   1. The process of increasing the magnitude of a variable quantity, especially the magnitude of voltage, power, or current, without altering any other quality.
   2. The result of such a process.
4. Electronics See gain¹
5. Genetics The process by which extra copies of a gene or a DNA sequence are formed.

gain¹ (gān)

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[From Middle English gayne, booty (from Old French gaigne, gain, gain) (from gaaignier, to gain) (of Germanic origin; see weiə-), Middle English gein, advantage (from Old Norse gegn, ready,) (and from Old French gain, gain).]

verb: gained, gain·ing, gains. 

transitive verb 

1. To come into possession or use of; acquire: gained a small fortune in real estate; gained vital information about the enemy's plans.
2. To attain in competition or struggle; win: gained a decisive victory; gained control of the company.
3. To obtain through effort or merit; achieve: gain recognition; gain a hearing for the proposal.
4. To secure as profit or reward; earn: gain a living; gain extra credits in school.
5. 1. To manage to achieve an increase of: a movement that gained strength; gained wisdom with age.
   2. To increase by (a specific amount): gained 15 pounds; the market gained 30 points.
6. To come to; reach: gained the top of the mountain. See synonyms at reach
7. To become fast by (a specified amount of time). Used of a timepiece: My watch gains four minutes a day.

intransitive verb 

1. To increase; grow: gained in experience and maturity; a painting that gained in value.
2. To become better; improve: gaining in health.
3. To obtain a profit or advantage; benefit: stood to gain politically by his opponent's blunder.
4. 1. To close a gap; get closer: The runners in the back gained steadily on the leader.
   2. To increase a lead.
5. To put on weight: I began to gain when I went off my diet.
6. To operate or run fast. Used of a timepiece.

noun 

1. 1. Something gained or acquired: territorial gains.
   2. Progress; advancement: The country made economic gains under the new government.
2. The act of acquiring; attainment.
3. An increase in amount or degree: a gain in operating income.
4. Electronics An increase in signal power, voltage, or current by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input. Also called amplification

idioms

gain ground

To progress, advance, or increase: Stock prices gained ground yesterday.

gain time

To run too fast. Used of a timepiece. To delay or prolong something until a desired event occurs.