crunch

crunch · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A crushing or grinding sound.

  2. 2.

    To crush or grind something noisily with the teeth.

  3. 3.

    A critical or decisive moment; a time of difficulty.

  4. 4.

    To make a crushing sound.

  5. 5.

    An abdominal exercise.

  6. 6.

    To process large amounts of data.

Forms

plural: crunches

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    crunch time — a critical period requiring extra effort
  • •
    number crunching — processing large amounts of numerical data
  • •
    when it comes to the crunch — at the critical moment
  • •
    credit crunch — a severe shortage of credit

Related words

See also: crisis, crush, grind
Synonyms: crisis, crush, grind

Etymology

Imitative origin, representing the sound of crushing or grinding. First recorded in the early 19th century.