grinding
UK: ˈɡraɪndɪŋ | US: ˈɡraɪndɪŋ
adj. 1. (of a sound or motion) harsh and grating; oppressive in monotony.
n. 2. the action of reducing something to small particles by crushing or friction.
n. 3. (informal) hard, tedious work or routine.
The word "grinding" originates from the Old English grindan, meaning "to crush or rub into particles," which is of Germanic origin. The root grind- has retained its core meaning of friction or crushing across centuries. The suffix -ing transforms the verb into a noun or adjective, emphasizing the ongoing or resultant action. The term evolved metaphorically to describe monotonous labor (e.g., "daily grind") by the 19th century, reflecting the repetitive nature of physical grinding.
The grinding noise of the machinery made conversation impossible.
Traditional flour production involves the grinding of wheat between millstones.
After years of grinding in the corporate world, she finally started her own business.
The gears emitted a grinding sound, signaling the need for lubrication.
His grinding schedule left little time for relaxation.