grail

Something people want very much and spend a long time trying to find or achieve.

• For her, winning gold was the ultimate grail.
• A cure remains the holy grail of their research.
• Collectors have spent years searching for this grail.

How to use it: the holy grail of something (A cheap, reliable battery is the holy grail of this research.)

Similar words: ultimate goal, dream, prize

Common phrases: holy grail, ultimate grail, grail of research

The sacred cup associated with Jesus that knights search for in old stories.

• The knight searched for the grail.
• Stories about the grail inspired many writers.
• In the legend, only one knight finds the grail.

Similar words: Holy Grail

Common phrases: holy grail, seek the grail, grail legend

A book containing music and words sung during services in the Roman Catholic Church.

• The choir sang from the grail.
• The library owns a medieval grail.
• Several chants are missing from this damaged grail.

Similar words: gradual

Common phrases: church grail, medieval grail, grail manuscript

Small loose pieces of earth or stone.

• Grail covered the narrow path.
• Their feet scattered the loose grail.
• Rain washed grail down the slope.

Similar words: gravel, grit

Common phrases: loose grail, grail path, grail and dust