crunch 
(krŭnch)
(krŭnch)v. crunched, crunch·ing, crunch·es
v.tr.
1. To chew with a noisy crackling sound.
2. To crush, grind, or tread noisily.
3. Slang To perform operations on; manipulate or process (numerical or mathematical data).
v.intr.
1. To chew noisily with a crackling sound: crunching on celery.
2. To move with a crushing sound: crunching through the snow.
3. To produce or emit a crushing sound.
n.
1. The act or sound of crunching.
2. A modified sit-up having a smaller range of motion that reduces back strain and strengthens the abdominal muscles: stomach crunches.
3.
a. A decisive confrontation.
b. A critical moment or situation, especially one that occurs because of a shortage of time or resources: a year-end crunch; an energy crunch.
c. A period of financial difficulty characterized by tight money and unavailability of credit.
[Alteration of craunch, possibly of imitative origin.]
cruncha·ble adj.