grinder

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

This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɡɹaɪn.də(ɹ)/
• Rhymes: -aɪndə(r)
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɡɹaɪndəɹ/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

grinder (plural grinders)

1. One who grinds something, such as the teeth.
   • scissors grinder (one who sharpens scissors)
   • 2010, A. J. Larner, A Dictionary of Neurological Signs, page 68:

     Masseter hypertrophy may become apparent in persistent grinders.

2. (anatomical) A molar.
3. A power tool with a spinning abrasive disc, used for grinding, smoothing, and shaping materials, usually metal.
4. (US, regional) A sandwich made on a long, cylindrical roll.

   I am going to the deli to get a grinder for lunch.

   • 1996, Michael Craig Budden, Protecting Trade Secrets under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act: Practical Advice for Executives, Westport, Conn.: Quorum Books, →ISBN, page 20:

     It was reported that the recipes for the secret sauce and grinder sandwiches were proprietary, known only to the current president of the corporation and the former owner of the restaurant.

5. A kitchen gadget for processing coffee, herbs etc. into small or powdered pieces
6. The restless flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta) of Australia, which makes a noise like a scissors grinder.
7. (music, slang) A fan or performer of grindcore music.
8. (slang, dated) A student who studies hard; a swot.
9. (slang, dated) A person who coaches students for an upcoming examination.
10. (ice hockey slang) A hard-working, physical player with limited offensive ability.
11. (lawyer slang) An low ranking attorney with no clients who works very hard.

The usage of grinder and related terms for sandwiches varies widely. In the Philadelphia area, for example, a "grinder" is distinguished from a "hoagie" in that the grinder is toasted or baked, and usually lacks lettuce.

• (sandwich): sub

• derring, red ring, regrind

grinder m or f

1. indefinite plural of grind

grinder f

1. indefinite plural of grind