grinder's phthisis

1 definition found

grinder's phthisis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Grinder \Grind"er\, n.
     1. One who, or that which, grinds.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. One of the double teeth, used to grind or masticate the
        food; a molar.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.) The restless flycatcher (Seisura inquieta) of
        Australia; -- called also restless thrush and volatile  thrush
        . It makes a noise like a scissors grinder, to
        which the name alludes.
  
     4. A submarine sandwich. [local, U.S.]
  
     Syn: submarine, hoagie.
          [PJC]
  
     Grinder's asthma, Grinder's phthisis, or Grinder's rot
        (Med.), a lung disease produced by the mechanical
        irritation of the particles of steel and stone given off
        in the operation of grinding.
        [1913 Webster]