First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1gate
noun \ˈgāt\
Definition of GATE
1
: an opening in a wall or fence
2
: a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (as towers)
3
a : the frame or door that closes a gate b : a movable barrier (as at a grade crossing)
4
a : a means of entrance or exit b : starting gate c : an area (as at a railroad station or an airport) for departure or arrival d : a space between two markers through which a competitor must pass in the course of a slalom race
5
a : a door, valve, or other device for controlling the passage especially of a fluid b (1) : an electronic switch that allows or prevents the flow of current in a circuit (2) : an electrode in a field-effect transistor that modulates the current flowing through the transistor according to the voltage applied to the electrode — compare drain, source c : a device (as in a computer) that outputs a signal when specified input conditions are met <logic gate> d : a molecule or part of a molecule that acts (as by a change in conformation) in response to a stimulus to permit or block passage (as of ions) through a cell membrane
6
slang : dismissal <gave him the gate>
7
: the total admission receipts or the number of spectators (as at a sports event)
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Origin of GATE
Middle English, from Old English geat; akin to Old Norse gat opening
2gate
verb
gat·edgat·ing
Definition of GATE
transitive verb
1
British : to confine to a campus or dormitory
2
: to supply with a gate
3
: to control with a gate
First Known Use of GATE
1835
3gate
noun
Definition of GATE
Origin of GATE
Middle English, from Old Norse gata road; akin to Old High German gazza road
First Known Use: 13th century
GATE[1] Defined for Kids
gate
noun \ˈgāt\
Definition of GATE for Kids
1
: an opening in a wall or fence
2
: a part of a barrier (as a fence) that opens and closes like a door
3
: a door, valve, or other device for controlling the flow of water or other fluids <canal gates>
4
: an area at an airport where passengers arrive and leave
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