Conflict in science fiction shows grinding result (5)
I believe the answer is:
swarf
'grinding result' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'conflict in science fiction' is the wordplay.
'conflict' becomes 'war' (war is a kind of conflict).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'science fiction' becomes 'sf' (this might be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'war' inserted inside 'sf' is 'SWARF'.
'shows' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for swarf that I've seen before include "Waste from machining" , "Machining refuse" , "Metal filings" .)