What is the term used to describe the process of sharpening a grinding wheel's cutting surface?

The term that describes the process of sharpening a grinding wheel's cutting surface is "dress." Dressing a grinding wheel involves removing the dull or worn surface of the wheel to expose fresh cutting abrasives, ensuring efficient grinding and achieving precise shapes and finishes on the materials being worked on. This process can also help in shaping the wheel and improving its performance by maintaining the desired grit structure.

Choosing the correct method of dressing is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the grinding wheel and ensuring a smooth, consistent grinding operation. The other terms listed refer to different processes and do not accurately capture the specific act of preparing and sharpening a grinding wheel's cutting surface. For instance, polishing refers to smoothing a surface or enhancing its shine, while refining involves improving quality or precision, and calibrating usually pertains to measuring and adjusting tools or instruments to ensure accuracy.