Pronunciation: [nˈɔːz] (IPA) 
The word "gnaws" is spelled with a silent "g" and pronounced /nɔːz/. This means that when spoken, the "g" is not pronounced, and the stress is on the first syllable. The word refers to the action of biting or chewing with the teeth, often repeatedly or persistently. It can be used to describe the behavior of an animal, such as a rodent gnawing on wood or a bone, or a person gnawing on their fingernails out of anxiety or nervousness.
Gnaws, as a verb, refers to the action of nibbling, biting or chewing on with the teeth in a persistent and repetitive manner. It often signifies the process by which animals, typically rodents, wear away or erode a material by means of constant biting or chewing. Gnawing is characterized by small, frequent bites or nibbles that are repeated over time, resulting in the slow degradation or erosion of the substance being gnawed upon.
The word "gnaws" can also be used metaphorically to describe the persistent, nagging feelings of worry, anxiety or doubt that gradually erode one's mental or emotional well-being. In this context, it denotes the emotional or psychological process of gradually chipping away at an individual's peace of mind or inner stability. This figurative usage often pertains to situations or circumstances that continually trouble or bother a person, causing a persistent sense of unease or discomfort.
Overall, gnaws as a verb typically pertains to the physical act of persistent chewing or nibbling by animals, specifically rodents, resulting in material erosion or wear. However, in a metaphorical sense, it can also refer to the ongoing erosion of one's mental or emotional well-being due to a persistent sense of worry, anxiety, or doubt.
The word gnaws is derived from the Old English word gnagan, which means to gnaw or to bite. This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word gnaganan, and further to the Proto-Indo-European root genu, which means to bite or to chew.
