grit

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grit / grit/ • n. 1. small, loose particles of stone or sand: she had a bit of grit in her eye. ∎  [as adj.] (with numeral) indicating the grade of fineness of an abrasive: 220-grit paper. ∎  (also grit·stone) a coarse sandstone: layers of impervious shales and grits. 2. courage and resolve; strength of character: he displayed the true grit of the navy pilot.• v. (grit·ted, grit·ting) [tr.] 1. clench (the teeth), esp. in order to keep one's resolve when faced with an unpleasant or painful duty: fig. Congress must grit its teeth and take action | [as adj.] (gritted) “Not here,” he said through gritted teeth. 2. [intr.] move with or make a grating sound: fine red dust that gritted between the teeth.