HeyRuaHow to say “grinding” in Irish
- Irish:
- líomhadh
- English:
- grinding, polishing, wearing away
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- líomh, to polish (ag líomhadh, polishing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “LEE-vuh” /ˈlʲiːvˠə/
- Genitive singular:
- líofa, an líofa (e.g. cloch líofa, whetstone)
What does “líomhadh” mean?
“Líomhadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- grinding
- The act of sharpening or grinding something on a stone or wheel; verbal noun of the verb líomh.Also: sharpening, whetting, honing.
2 other meanings: polishing or wearing away
- 2polishing
- The act of making a surface smooth and shiny by rubbing; verbal noun of líomh.Also: smoothing, burnishing, filing.
- 3wearing away
- The gradual wearing down or erosion of something.Also: erosion, attrition.
Other Irish words for grinding: meilt (grinding)
“Líomhadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, líomhadh means polishing: it is the verbal noun of the verb líomh (to polish). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Líomhadh” with the article
Here is líomhadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Líomhadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using líomhadh, the Irish word for grinding.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Grinding in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for grinding?
The Irish for grinding is líomhadh (pronounced “LEE-vuh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean polishing or wearing away.
How do you pronounce líomhadh in Irish?
Líomhadh is said like “LEE-vuh” (IPA /ˈlʲiːvˠə/).
Does líomhadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for líomhadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does líomhadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Líomhadh can mean grinding, polishing or wearing away, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is líomhadh the same as the adjective líofa, meaning fluent?
They are related: líofa is the verbal adjective, literally 'polished', which is why 'Gaeilge líofa' means fluent Irish. The genitive of líomhadh is also líofa, as in 'cloch líofa'.
