Definition

Noun: 1. A revolving stone shaped like a disk; used to grind, sharpen, or polish edge tools: A grindstone is a large, flat, circular stone that rotates, traditionally used for sharpening blades (like axes or knives) or shaping metal tools by friction.

Usage

The word "grindstone" is typically used to refer to the physical sharpening tool itself. It is most commonly encountered in the idiomatic expression "to keep one's nose to the grindstone," which means to work hard and continuously.

Examples

• The blacksmith sharpened the axe on a large grindstone.
• Before power tools, a foot-pedaled grindstone was essential in every workshop.
• He put the dull chisel to the grindstone to restore its edge.

Advanced Usage

• To keep one's/put one's/have one's nose to the grindstone: This is the primary idiomatic use. It means to apply oneself continuously to hard, tedious work.
  • Example: "With exams next week, I really need to keep my nose to the grindstone."
  • Example: "The manager put the team's nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline."

Variants and Related Words

• Grind (verb): The action performed by a grindstone; to reduce something to small particles or to sharpen by friction.
• Grinder (noun): A machine or person that grinds; can also refer to a type of sandwich or a molar tooth.

Synonyms

• Whetstone: A stone used for sharpening cutting tools (a whetstone is typically smaller and used with water or oil, while a grindstone is larger and often powered).
• Sharpening stone: A general term for a stone used to sharpen blades.

Related Idioms

• To keep one's nose to the grindstone: To work hard and persistently without distraction.
  • Example: "She kept her nose to the grindstone for months to finish writing her novel."

Noun

1. a revolving stone shaped like a disk; used to grind or sharpen or polish edge tools