1. 1. A toothed machine part, such as a wheel or cylinder, that meshes with another toothed part to transmit motion or to change speed or direction.
   2. A complete assembly that performs a specific function in a larger machine.
   3. A transmission configuration for a specific ratio of engine to axle torque in a motor vehicle.
2. Equipment, such as tools or clothing, used for a particular activity: fishing gear. See synonyms at equipment.
3. 1. Clothing and accessories: the latest gear for teenagers.
   2. Personal belongings, including clothing: keeps her gear in a trunk.
4. The harness for a horse.
5. Nautical.
   1. A ship's rigging.
   2. A sailor's personal effects.

1. 1. To equip with gears.
   2. To connect by gears.
   3. To put into gear.
2. To adjust or adapt so as to make suitable: geared the speech to a conservative audience.
3. To provide with gear; equip.

1. To come into or be in gear.
2. To become adjusted so as to fit or blend.

gear up

1. To get ready for a coming action or event: a group of investors who had geared up for the takeover fight.

[Middle English gere, equipment, from Old Norse gervi, akin to gera, to do, make, make ready.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.