comminute

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

comminute
    v 1: reduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or
         abrading; "grind the spices in a mortar"; "mash the garlic"
         [syn: {grind}, {mash}, {crunch}, {bray}, {comminute}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Comminute \Com"mi*nute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Comminuted}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Comminuting}.] [L. comminutus, p. p. of
   comminuere to comminute; com- + minuere to lessen. See
   {Minute}.]
   To reduce to minute particles, or to a fine powder; to
   pulverize; to triturate; to grind; as, to comminute chalk or
   bones; to comminute food with the teeth. --Pennant.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Comminuted fracture}. See under {Fracture}.
      [1913 Webster]