Gross – 1. Extremely unpleasant 2. Profit without deduction of tax 3. 144, or twelve dozen 4. An emphasis on size or importance
(Pronounced grohs)
To remember the definition of the word gross, use the following mnemonic:
The grocery (gross) store had a big sale of 144 (12 x 12) rotten vegetables which produced a very unpleasant look and smell. If they got anything for them, the tax officer would deduct no tax – this time.
Examples of gross (extremely unpleasant) in a sentence
The runner removed her trainers and the smell was gross.
She fell into the swamp and climbed out covered in a gross slime.
That's kind of gross, isn't it?
Examples of gross (profit without deduction of tax) in a sentence
Investments showed a gross profit of 26%.
The firm's payroll has one field for gross pay and one for net pay.
Within 10 years they had a gross profit margin of 50%.
Examples of gross (144, or twelve dozen) in a sentence
Dad accidentally ordered a gross of eggs. He didn't realise this would be 144 eggs.
A gross refers to a square dozen.
If a teacher orders a gross of pencils, it provides a quantity of 144 for the pupils.
Examples of gross (an emphasis on size or importance) in a sentence
I think it would be a gross distortion of reality to say that they were motivated by self-interest.
He's not just fat. He's positively gross.
The company described reports of environmental disaster as gross exaggeration.
