The word "gross" can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to something that is large, obvious, or undesired. In a financial context, "gross" often refers to total amounts before any deductions, such as in "gross income." Additionally, "gross" can describe something unpleasant or offensive, like a bad smell or a distasteful action.
The word "gross" originates from the Latin word "grossus," which means thick or large. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has evolved to encompass the various meanings we associate with it today.