I. ˈkrənch verb
Etymology: alteration of craunch
Date: 1706
intransitive verb
1. : to chew or press with a crushing noise
2. : to make one's way with a crushing noise
transitive verb
1. : to chew, press, or grind with a crunching sound
2. : process ; especially : to perform mathematical computations on
crunch numbers
• crunch·able ˈkrən-chə-bəl adjective
II. noun
Date: 1832
1. : an act of crunching
2. : a sound made by crunching
3. : a tight or critical situation: as
a. : a critical point in the buildup of pressure between opposing elements : showdown
b. : a severe economic squeeze (as on credit)
c. : shortage
an energy crunch
4. : a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising and lowering the upper torso without reaching a sitting position