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Gad²

(găd)

interj.

Used to express surprise or dismay.

[Alteration of GOD.]

gad²

(găd)

1. A pointed tool, such as a spike or chisel, used for breaking rock or ore.

2. Archaic A goad, as for prodding cattle.

tr.v. gad·ded, gad·ding, gads

To break up (ore, for example) with a gad.

[Middle English, from Old Norse gaddr.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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