grommet
/ˈɡrɒmɪt
/noun
1An eyelet placed in a hole to protect or insulate a rope or cable passed through it or to reinforce the hole.You simply attach the grommets to the support holes of the tone bars....
- At each grommet location, follow the manufacturer's instructions to trim the fabric from the grommet hole and attach the snap-on cover.
- As with work platforms, the enclosure material is attached with clips, wire, rope, or grommets.
2British A tube surgically implanted in the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear.This can be treated with antibiotics or a minor operation to insert a tiny plastic tube or grommet through the eardrum, allowing the fluid to drain....
- If hearing is affected, they may have drainage tubes, or grommets, placed in the eardrums.
- The effectiveness of some other operations, such as middle ear drainage with grommets and stripping and ligation of varicose veins, is debatable.
3 informal, chiefly Australian A young or inexperienced surfer or skateboarder.Naturally, as the event progresses, winners and outstanding performances are expected with all young surfers pushing the limits to try and become the top grommet in the state!...
- Does it feel weird now that, let's be honest, you're not a grommet anymore, and there's expectations and pressure for you to deliver a world title?
- Was it hard going being a grommet at school making a lot of money at such a young age?
Origin
Early 17th century (in nautical use in the sense 'a circle of rope used as a fastening'): from obsolete French grommette, from gourmer 'to curb', of unknown ultimate origin. Current senses date from the mid 20th century.