gravel

[grav-uhl]

noun

1. small stones and pebbles, or a mixture of these with sand.

2. Pathology.

   1. multiple small calculi formed in the kidneys.

   2. the disease characterized by such concretions.

verb (used with object)

graveled, graveling , gravelled, gravelling .

1. to cover with gravel.

2. to bring to a standstill from perplexity; puzzle.

3. Informal.,  to be a cause of irritation to.

4. Obsolete.,  to run (a ship) aground, as on a beach.

adjective

1. harsh and grating.

   a gravel voice.

gravel

/ ˈɡrævəl /

noun

1. an unconsolidated mixture of rock fragments that is coarser than sand

2. geology a mixture of rock fragments with diameters in the range 4–76 mm

3. pathol small rough calculi in the kidneys or bladder

verb

1. to cover with gravel

2. to confound or confuse

3. informal,  to annoy or disturb

Other Word Forms

• gravelish adjective
• ungraveled adjective
• ungravelled adjective
• well-graveled adjective
• well-gravelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravel¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French gravele, diminutive of grave sandy shore, perhaps < Celtic; grave ⁴, growan

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravel¹

C13: from Old French gravele, diminutive of grave gravel, perhaps of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

The second incident led to a scare because Leclerc passed a Sauber just after a red flag was thrown because of gravel on track, despite braking as hard as he could.

From BBC

Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, 16th fastest, was another to have an off, with a spin into the gravel at Turn 12, from which he rejoined.

From BBC

This mix is why state and local agencies have long focused their attention on dust control projects, planting salt-tolerant vegetation and spreading gravel.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, he’s added extra gravel to his voice.

From Los Angeles Times

Russell said he suspected he had damaged the car running through the gravel left by Antonelli's spin.

From BBC

Related Words

• sand 
• shale