gerund
NounUS[jer-uhnd]/ˈdʒɛrənd/2 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (1)
- a noun formed from a verb (such as the ‘-ing’ form of an English verb when used as a noun)Type of verbal noun, deverbal noun
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Ger′und noun Lat. Gram.
Origin: L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry, perform. See Gest a deed, Jest.
1. A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle.
2. In Modern English, the -ing form of a verb, when functioning as a noun; as, running is good for the heart.
3. AS. Gram. A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; — called also the dative infinitive; as, “Ic hæbbe mete tô etanne” (I have meat to eat.).
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: GCIDE editors