Definitions

1. verb

to wear away or eat away gradually, typically by small amounts at a time

“The rats began to gnaw on the wooden furniture in the old house.”

2. verb

to feel or cause a strong hunger or need for something

“I’m starting to gnaw with hunger, let’s get some food.”

3. noun

the act of wearing away or eating away gradually, typically by small amounts at a time

“The gnaw of the mice on the electrical wires caused a fire.”