Graunch

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. To make a grinding or grating sound, often associated with teeth or machinery in motion
2. To express discomfort or annoyance by grindings or clenching sounds
3. To crush or grind something down, producing a noise in the process

Etymology: "Graunch" is an imitative word, built to sound like the noise it names. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it most likely blends "grind" with a sound word such as "crunch" or "scrunch," so the harsh consonant cluster does the work of the rasp itself. As a verb, it means to make that kind of noise, or to grind something with a harsh, jarring sound. Musicians later borrowed it for a rough, distorted, gritty guitar tone, which shows how readily a word for an unpleasant noise can turn into praise for one.