Abrasive determination (4)
I believe the answer is:
grit
This could be a double definition.
'abrasive' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'determination' is the second definition.
(grit can mean determination or tenacity)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for grit that I've seen before include "Courage; tiny stones" , "Courage, determination" , "Coarse sandstone - strength of character" , "True determination?" , "Gravel or colloquial courage" .)