I. ˈgrīndə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from grinden to grind + -er — more at grind
1.
a. : molar 1 — distinguished from cutter
b. grinders plural : teeth
2. : a person that grinds: as
a. : a worker who crushes or pulverizes materials (as grain, stone, clay, scrap rubber) usually by machine
b. : a worker who shapes, smooths, or cleans roughly finished articles by means of abrasives or grinding wheels ; especially : one that sharpens tools by grinding (as on a grinding wheel)
c. slang Britain : a private tutor
d. slang : a carnival or sideshow barker who talks up a new crowd while one show is going on
e. slang : a burlesque performer specializing in grinds
3. : a machine or device for grinding: as
a. : a machine for grinding with abrasives that typically takes the form of a grinding wheel and is used to cut hardened or tempered metals and to develop a smooth finish (as on metal, wood, stone)
b. : a pulverizing machine (as a ball mill or a wood-pulp grinding machine)
4.
[so called from its whining call]
: restless flycatcher
5. : an atmospheric disturbance that is heard by a radio listener as a rumbling and is caused by distant lightning
6. : a large sandwich made of two slabs of bread cut lengthwise from the loaf or a whole small crusty loaf cut lengthwise and containing meat (as ham, salami, or meatballs), usually cheese, tomato and lettuce, pickles or other appetizers, and sometimes (as with meatballs) a thick spicy sauce
II. noun
1. : an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill ; also : a player (as in hockey) whose actions support the actions of the team's primary playmakers
2. : a crew member on a racing sailboat who is primarily responsible for grinding the winches used to heave the sails