Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM'MI-NUTE, v.t. [L. comminno; con and minuo, to lessen, from the root of minor; Ir. mion, min, fine, small, tender; W. main, man; Ar. مَنَّ manna, to diminish. Class Mn, No. 5.]

To make small or fine; to reduce to minute particles, or to a fine powder, by breaking, pounding, rasping, or grinding; to pulverize; to triturate; to levigate. It is chiefly or wholly applied to substances not liquid. – Bacon.