Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈa͡ɪndɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "grinding" is spelt with a -nd- in the middle, even though the sound that follows the 'g' is typically an unvoiced velar fricative, /g/. When the '-ing' suffix follows voiced fricatives like /ð/ or /v/, the sound is pronounced as a nasal consonant, /n/. This is due to a phonological process called assimilation. Therefore, 'grind' + '-ing' becomes 'grinding' with the /n/ sound between the 'd' and the 'g'.
Grinding is a verb that primarily refers to the act of reducing something into smaller particles or powder through mechanical processes, often accomplished by friction and pressure. It typically involves rubbing or pressing two surfaces together forcibly, resulting in abrasion, erosion, or pulverization.
In the context of food, grinding refers to the process of crushing or pulverizing ingredients, such as grains, spices, or coffee beans, into smaller fragments. This is commonly done using a specialized device like a grinder or mill, which enables the transformation of solids into fine particles. Grinding grains, for example, can help in producing flour or meal for cooking or baking purposes.
Furthermore, grinding may also indicate the act of sharpening or smoothing objects by rubbing them against a hard surface, such as grinding metal tools or knives on a sharpening stone. In this sense, grinding involves removing material from the object's surface, enhancing its sharpness or smoothing its edges.
Beyond the physical aspects, grinding can also refer to the experience of performing repetitive or monotonous tasks in a diligent manner. This colloquial usage typically applies to activities that require persistence, endurance, and focused effort, showing commitment or determination despite the tediousness involved.
Therefore, whether describing the mechanical action that results in fragmenting substances, the process of refining object surfaces, or the determination to pursue repeated tasks, grinding encompasses various meanings as a verb in different contexts.
• Harassing; oppressing.
• Act or process by which anything is ground; the act of preparing one's self for examination.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word grinding comes from the Old English verb grindan, which meant to grate, crush, or pound into small particles. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root grindanan, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ghrendh- or ghrend-, meaning to grind or destroy by rubbing. Related words in other Germanic languages include German grinden and Dutch grinten.
