Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » grate
grate
Grate is defined as to shred, scrape, grind or irritate.
(verb)- An example of to grate is shredding cheese.
- An example of to grate is getting on someone's nerves.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
See grate in Webster's New World College Dictionary
transitive verb grated, grating
- to grind into shreds or particles by rubbing or scraping
- to rub against (an object) with a harsh, scraping sound
- to grind (the teeth) together with a rasping sound
- to irritate; annoy; fret
Origin: ME graten < OFr grater (Fr gratter) < Frank *kratton, akin to OHG chrazzōn (Ger kratzen), to scratch < IE base *gred- > Alb gërrusë, scraper
intransitive verb
- to grind or rub with a harsh scraping or rasping sound
- to make a harsh or rasping sound
- to have an irritating or annoying effect
See grate in American Heritage Dictionary 4
verb grat·ed, grat·ing, grates verb, transitive
- To reduce to fragments, shreds, or powder by rubbing against an abrasive surface.
- To cause to make a harsh grinding or rasping sound through friction: grated her teeth in anger.
- To irritate or annoy persistently.
- Archaic To rub or wear away.
- To make a harsh rasping sound by or as if by scraping or grinding.
- To cause irritation or annoyance: a noise that grates on one's nerves.
A harsh rasping sound made by scraping or rubbing: the grate of a key in a lock.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English graten
Origin: , from Old French grater, to scrape
Origin: , of Germanic origin
.noun
- A framework of parallel or latticed bars for blocking an opening.
- A framework of metal bars used to hold fuel or food in a stove, furnace, or fireplace.
- A fireplace.
- A perforated iron plate or screen for sieving and grading crushed ore.
To equip with a grate.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Medieval Latin grāta
Origin: , alteration of Latin crātis, wickerwork
.Learn more about grate
