A circular stone wheel used for sharpening tools, or figuratively, hard repetitive work.
From Old English 'grinde' (to grind) and 'stan' (stone)—literally a stone for grinding. The compound formed naturally as this tool became essential in medieval workshops and farms.
The phrase 'nose to the grindstone' comes from actually holding your nose near the spinning stone to sharpen blades—it was uncomfortable and dangerous, which is why it became a metaphor for hard, relentless work!
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