Definition:Gross

Definition

A gross is another name for a set whose cardinality is $12 \times 12$, or $144$.

Also see

• 144

Linguistic Note

The word gross, used in its original meaning of a dozen dozen, is falling into disuse.

In its place, gross is used as an adjective, mainly in contemporary American slang, to mean distasteful.

This arises from the fact that a gross is conventionally viewed as a large number, when applied to a quantity of an everyday commodity.

Hence the adverb grossly evolved, which was applied to intensify adjectives, and evolved further to qualify adjectives defining unpleasant qualities.

Sources

• 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): $12$
• 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): $144$
• 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $12$
• 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $144$