~ 1
■ noun
1》 the solid surface of the earth.
↘land of a specified kind: marshy ~.
↘an area of land or sea with a specified use: fishing ~s.
↘( ~s ) an area of enclosed land surrounding a large building.
↘ Brit. the floor of a room.
2》 ( ~s ) factors forming a basis for action or the justification for a belief.
3》 a prepared surface to which paint or other decoration is applied.
↘a substance used to prepare a surface for painting.
↘a piece of wood fixed to a wall as a base for boards, plaster, or joinery.
4》 ( ~s ) solid particles, especially of coffee, which form a residue.
5》 N. Amer. electrical connection to the earth.
■ verb
1》 prohibit or prevent (a pilot or aircraft) from flying.
↘ informal (of a parent) refuse to allow (a child) to go out socially, as a punishment.
2》 run (a ship) a~.
3》 (usu. be ~ed in ) give a firm theoretical or practical basis to.
↘[as adjective ~ed ] well balanced and sensible.
4》 place on the ~ or touch the ~ with.
5》 N. Amer. connect (an electrical device) with the ~.
Phrases
be thick (or thin ) on the ~ exist in large (or small) numbers or amounts.
break new ~ be innovative.
gain ~
1》 become more popular.
2》 (usu. gain ~ on ) get closer to someone being pursued.
get off the ~ start happening or functioning successfully.
give (or lose ) ~ retreat or lose one's advantage.
go to ~ (of a fox or other animal) enter its earth or burrow.
↘(of a person) hide or become inaccessible.
hold (or stand ) one's ~ not retreat or lose one's advantage.
on the ~ in a place where real, practical work is done.
on one's own ~ in one's own territory or area of knowledge.
work (or run ) oneself into the ~ exhaust oneself by working or running very hard.
Origin
OE grund , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
past and past participle of grind .