I. ˈkrənch verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: alteration of craunch (I)
intransitive verb
1. : to chew with a crushing or grinding noise
2. : to grind or press with a noise of crushing
3. : to move or proceed with a crunching sound
transitive verb
1. : to bite with a crushing noise
2. : to crush or grind (as under a foot or wheel) with a noise
crunched the crisp snow
II. noun
( -es )
1. : the act of crunching
2. : a sound made by crunching
hear the crunch of his saddle shoes on the gravel lane — A.W.Turnbull
3. : a piece made or separated by crunching
III. transitive verb
: process ; especially : to perform mathematical computations on
crunch numbers
IV. noun
1. : a tight or critical situation: as
a. : a critical point in the buildup of pressure between opposing elements
b. : a severe economic squeeze (as on credit)
c. : shortage
energy crunch
2. : a crunchy quality
water chestnuts, walnuts, and other nuts can give crunch and added flavor — Nanalee Clayton
3. : a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising and lowering the upper torso without reaching the sitting position