grinder
UK: ˈɡraɪn.dər | US: ˈɡraɪn.dɚ
n. a machine or tool for grinding, crushing, or pulverizing something
n. a person who operates a grinding machine
n. (informal) a hard, monotonous task or job
The word "grinder" originates from the Old English "grindan," meaning "to crush or reduce to powder." The suffix "-er" is an agentive suffix in English, used to form nouns indicating a person or thing that performs an action. Over time, "grinder" evolved to describe both the tool/machine (e.g., coffee grinder) and the person operating it. The informal sense of a tedious task (e.g., "daily grind") emerged metaphorically in the 19th century, likening repetitive work to the mechanical action of grinding.
She used an electric grinder to crush the coffee beans.
The factory employs several grinders to polish metal parts.
His job as a data clerk felt like a real grinder.
The old stone grinder still works perfectly after decades.
A pepper grinder is essential for fresh seasoning.