1. Parts of Speech: Verb
2. Definitions:
- (transitive) To bite or chew on something persistently.
- (intransitive) To wear away or erode gradually through constant friction or pressure.
3. Pronunciations: /nɔz/ (US), /nɔːz/ (UK)
4. Origin and Usage: The word "gnaws" originated from the Old English word "gnagan," which means "to gnaw." It has been used in English literature since the Middle Ages, and it is commonly used in modern English to describe the act of biting or chewing on something persistently. It can also be used to describe the gradual erosion of something through constant friction or pressure.
5. Synonyms: bite, chew, nibble, corrode, erode
6. Related Words: claws, draws, flaws, hawks, jaws
7. Example Sentences:
- The dog gnaws on his bone for hours.
- The constant dripping of water gnaws away at the rock.
- The thought of his mistake gnaws at him all day.