A set of equipment or tools for a particular purpose, or a toothed wheel in a machine that changes speed or power.
From Old Norse *gervi* or *gørfi* meaning “apparel, equipment,” related to the idea of things you “wear” or “use” to get a job done. The mechanical sense of toothed wheels developed later as machines became more complex. Both senses share the idea of equipment that makes work possible or easier.
Whether you’re in ‘first gear’ in a car or putting on camping gear, you’re using tools that change what you can do. The word bridges human tools and machine tools, hinting that a machine is just a kind of dressed-up power. Changing gears is like changing outfits for a different job.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.