Pronunciation: [hˈand͡ʒɑː] (IPA) 
The word "handgear" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈhændˌɡɪər/, which indicates that the first syllable is pronounced with the "æ" sound as in "hat", the second syllable has a short "i" sound as in "it", and the final syllable ends with the "ər" sound as in "her". Despite its unconventional spelling, "handgear" refers to any kind of gear or equipment that is operated by hand, such as wrenches or pliers.
Handgear refers to any type of protective equipment or clothing worn on the hands to shield them from injury or damage during various activities. Also known as hand protection, handgear generally includes gloves or mittens made from different materials to provide specific levels of protection depending on the application.
Handgear is designed to offer a barrier between the hands and potential hazards such as extreme temperatures, sharp objects, chemicals, or other harmful substances. The different types of handgear available include work gloves, disposable gloves, cut-resistant gloves, heat-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, and many more.
Work gloves are commonly used across various industries and are typically made from materials like leather, cotton, latex, or synthetic fibers. They provide general protection against abrasions, cuts, and impacts. Disposable gloves, on the other hand, are usually made of latex or nitrile and are used in clean environments or medical settings to minimize the risk of contamination.
Cut-resistant gloves are constructed with materials such as Kevlar or stainless steel mesh to protect against sharp objects or tools. Heat-resistant gloves are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures in industries like welding or foundries. Chemical-resistant gloves are made from materials like neoprene, nitrile, or butyl rubber to guard against hazardous chemicals.
Handgear serves a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals by safeguarding their hands from potential harm. Its use is vital in various professions, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and food handling, where hand injuries can be prevalent if proper protection is not utilized.
The term "handgear" is a compound word composed of "hand" and "gear".
"Hand" can be traced back to the Old English word "hand" and has Germanic roots. It is cognate with German "Hand", Dutch "hand", and Swedish "hand".
On the other hand, "gear" comes from the Old Norse word "gervi" which means "equipment" or "property" and is related to Old High German "garawi" and Old English "gearwe". Over time, the meaning of "gear" expanded to encompass tools, machinery, and other mechanical devices.
Therefore, the etymology of "handgear" is a combination of the Old English word "hand", referring to the part of the body at the end of the arm, and the Old Norse word "gear", denoting equipment or machinery.
