[grit] 
noun, verb, grit⋅ted, grit⋅ting.| 1. | abrasive particles or granules, as of sand or other small, coarse impurities found in the air, food, water, etc. |
| 2. | firmness of character; indomitable spirit; pluck: She has a reputation for grit and common sense. |
| 3. | a coarse-grained siliceous rock, usually with sharp, angular grains. |
| 4. | British. gravel. |
| 5. | sand or other fine grainy particles eaten by fowl to aid in digestion. |
| 6. | to cause to grind or grate together. |
| 7. | to make a scratchy or slightly grating sound, as of sand being walked on; grate. |
| 8. | grit one's teeth, to show tenseness, anger, or determination by or as if by clamping or grinding the teeth together. |
grit
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grit one's teeth
Summon up one's strength to face unpleasantness or overcome a difficulty. For example, Gritting his teeth, he dove into the icy water. This expression uses grit in the sense of both clamping one's teeth together and grinding them with effort. [Late 1700s]
