I. ˈgrīnd verb
( ground ˈgrau̇nd ; grind·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English grindan; akin to Latin frendere to crush, grind
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)
2. : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction
grind an ax
3.
a. : oppress , harass
b. : to weaken or destroy gradually — usually used with down
poverty ground her spirit down
4.
a. : to press together with a rotating motion
grind the teeth
b. : to rub or press harshly
ground the cigarette out
5. : to operate or produce by turning a crank
grind a hand organ
intransitive verb
1. : to perform the operation of grinding
2. : to become pulverized, polished, or sharpened by friction
3. : to move with difficulty or friction especially so as to make a grating noise
gears grind ing
4. : drudge ; especially : to study hard
grind for an exam
5. : to rotate the hips in an erotic manner
• grind·ing·ly ˈgrīn-diŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : an act of grinding
b. : the sound of grinding
2.
a. : dreary, monotonous, or difficult labor, study, or routine
b. : one who works or studies excessively
3. : the result of grinding ; also : material ground to a particular degree of fineness
a drip grind of coffee
4. : the act of rotating the hips in an erotic manner
Synonyms: see work