ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grinder

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɡɹaɪndɝ// UK //ɡɹˈaɪndɐ// grinder Archaic Informal Slang

n. a machine or tool used to crush something into small pieces or powder. You might use one for coffee beans, pepper, or even metal.

n. a device or machine used for reducing a substance to small particles or powder through friction or crushing.


SIMPLE

I use a small grinder for my coffee beans every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction worker used an angle grinder to cut through the thick steel pipes on the building site.

COMPLEX

While pre-ground spices are convenient, using a manual grinder allows the volatile oils to remain intact until the moment of cooking, resulting in a much more intense flavor profile.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English grinder, grindere, from Old English grindere (“one or that which grinds; grinder”), equivalent to grind + -er.

Usage

Commonly appears in compound nouns such as 'coffee grinder', 'pepper grinder', or 'angle grinder'.

Idioms1 entry

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