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grate1 definition

grate (grāt)

transitive verb grated grat′ed, grating grat′·ing

  1. to grind into shreds or particles by rubbing or scraping
  2. to rub against (an object) with a harsh, scraping sound
  3. to grind (the teeth) together with a rasping sound
  4. to irritate; annoy; fret

Etymology: ME graten < OFr grater (Fr gratter) < Frank *kratton, akin to OHG chrazzōn (Ger kratzen), to scratch < IE base *gred- > Alb gërrusë, scraper

intransitive verb

  1. to grind or rub with a harsh scraping or rasping sound
  2. to make a harsh or rasping sound
  3. to have an irritating or annoying effect
grate2 definition

grate (grāt)

noun

  1. grating (sense )
  2. a frame of metal bars for holding fuel in a fireplace, stove, or furnace
  3. a fireplace
  4. Mining a screen for grading ores

Etymology: ME, trellis, lattice < ML grata, crata < L cratis, a hurdle, crate

transitive verb grated grat′ed, grating grat′·ing

to provide with a grate

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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