grind
UK: ɡraɪnd | US: ɡraɪnd
vt. to reduce to small particles by crushing or friction
vt. to sharpen, smooth, or produce by friction
vi. to perform monotonous or laborious tasks persistently
n. a laborious or routine task
n. the act of grinding
The word "grind" originates from Old English grindan, meaning "to crush or rub." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic grindaną and is related to Dutch grinden and German grinden. The core concept of friction or repetitive crushing persists in modern meanings, extending metaphorically to describe tedious work ("daily grind").
She used a mortar and pestle to grind the spices into powder.
The knife sharpener will grind the blade to a fine edge.
Many students grind through hours of homework every night.
His job became a relentless grind with little reward.
The millstones grind wheat into flour efficiently.