noun
grit
Small, hard particles of sand, stone, or other abrasive material.
A few grains of grit scratch the surface of the glass.
Etymology
Old English grēot meant sand or gravel. The modern word preserves that material sense for small hard particles, especially when they are abrasive.
More examples
- She shakes the grit out of her shoes.
- The wind blows grit into my eyes.
- Coarse grit on the sandpaper helps remove old paint.
Forms
gritty adjective — Containing or covered with small, rough particles.