/ ˈgrɒmɪt; NAmE ˈgrɑːm-/ noun
1.
a small metal ring placed around a hole in cloth or leather, to make it stronger
2.
( BrE ) ( NAmE tube ) a small tube placed in a child's ear in order to drain liquid from it
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (in nautical use in the sense a circle of rope used as a fastening ): from obsolete French grommette , from gourmer to curb, of unknown ultimate origin. Current senses date from the mid 20th cent.