Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈə͡ʊsnəs] (IPA) 
The word "grossness" is spelled with two consonant digraphs, "gr" and "ss", and the vowel sound /oʊ/ represented by the letter "o". The first syllable, "gr", is pronounced with a voiced velar stop /ɡ/ followed by a liquid consonant /r/. The second syllable, "oss", contains the vowel sound /ɑː/ represented by the letter "o" and the voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word "grossness" is ˈɡroʊsnəs.
Grossness is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being gross, repulsive, or offensive. It is derived from the adjective "gross," which signifies something that is repellent, disgusting, or extreme in its obscenity.
In a literal sense, grossness can pertain to physical repulsiveness or unattractiveness. It suggests something that is visually or sensually unpleasant, often inducing feelings of aversion or disgust. For example, the sight of decaying food, a foul odor, or a repugnant bodily fluid can be categorized as grossness.
However, grossness can also have a metaphorical or figurative connotation. It can express a sense of outrageousness or obscenity in behavior, actions, or speech, often transgressing social norms or commonly accepted standards of decency. The concept of grossness in this sense can vary across different cultural, social, or personal contexts, as what may be offensive or unacceptable to one person could be deemed normal or even humorous to another.
Overall, grossness encompasses a broad range of offensive, repulsive, or extreme qualities, both physically and metaphorically. Its usage highlights something that is profoundly distasteful, shocking, or vile, provoking negative emotional reactions and violating social expectations of what is considered appropriate or acceptable.
Coarseness; thickness; unwieldy corpulence; want of refinement or delicacy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "grossness" has its etymology rooted in the Old French word "gros" which meant thick, large, or bulky. It was derived from the Latin word "grossus" with a similar meaning. Over time, "grossness" came to refer to the quality or state of being gross or coarse, particularly in terms of behavior, manners, or physical appearance.
