The word "comminute" is spelled with two "m's" and two "n's". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkɒmɪnjuːt/. The first syllable is stressed while the rest are unstressed. The "com" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, and the "i" in the second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The "u" in the third syllable is pronounced with a long "oo" sound, and the "t" at the end is pronounced with a hard "t" sound. "Comminute" means to grind or crush something into small pieces.
Comminute is a verb that refers to the act of reducing something into small, finely divided particles or fragments. When a substance or material is comminuted, it is usually broken down into smaller pieces through mechanical means such as crushing, grinding, or pulverizing.
The process of comminution is commonly used in various industries like mining, chemistry, and food processing. For example, in mining operations, ores are comminuted to extract valuable minerals by breaking them into smaller particles. In food processing, comminution is often employed to grind or crush ingredients to create powders, pastes, or purees.
The term "comminute" can also be used in a broader sense, such as conveying the idea of breaking down or fragmenting ideas or concepts. In this context, it implies the analyzing or dissecting of complex information or thoughts to simplify or understand them better.
Overall, the action of comminuting involves reducing a substance or material into smaller particles through various mechanical means. Whether it is grinding rocks into powder, crushing food ingredients, or breaking down complex ideas, the process of comminution plays a vital role in numerous fields, enabling the manipulation and transformation of matter for various purposes.
To make small or fine; to lessen in extent or duration; to pulverise by pounding, &c.,-not applied to liquids.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word comminute is derived from the Latin verb comminuere, which means to reduce to small particles or to break into small pieces. The Latin word itself is a combination of the prefix com- (meaning together or thoroughly) and the verb minuere (meaning to diminish or to reduce). Over time, comminuere was adopted into Middle English as comminuten, and eventually, it evolved into the modern English word comminute.