gravel

views updated May 29 2018

grav·el / ˈgravəl/ • n. a loose aggregation of small water-worn or pounded stones. ∎  a mixture of such stones with coarse sand, used for paths and roads and as an aggregate. ∎  a stratum or deposit of such stones. ∎  Med. aggregations of crystals formed in the urinary tract.• v. (grav·eled, grav·el·ing; Brit. grav·elled, grav·el·ling) [tr.] 1. cover (an area of ground) with gravel.2. inf. make (someone) angry or annoyed: this was a bad strike, and it graveled him to involve himself in it. ∎ archaic make (someone) feel confused or puzzled.

gravel

views updated Jun 11 2018

gravel XIII. — (O)F. gravelle, dim. of grave gravel, coarse sand; see GRAVE4, -EL2.
Hence gravel-blind, joc. intensive in Sh. ‘Merchant of Venice’ II ii 38 of SAND-BLIND.

gravel

views updated May 23 2018

gravel (grav-ĕl) n. small stones formed in the urinary tract. The passage of gravel from the kidneys is usually associated with severe pain (ureteric colic) and may cause blood in the urine. See also calculus.

gravel

views updated May 08 2018

gravel In the British classification for particle sizes, grains with diameters between 2 and 60 mm.