a verbal noun in Latin that expresses generalized or uncompleted action and is used in all cases but the nominative
any of several linguistic forms similar in function to the Latin gerund in languages other than Latin; esp the English verbal noun ending in -ing that has the function of a noun and at the same time shows certain verbal features, e.g. singing in He likes singing and in Singing chorales is fun
[late Latin gerundium from Latin gerundus, verbal noun from gerere to bear, carry on]