grate

¹

[greyt]

noun

1. a frame of metal bars for holding fuel when burning, as in a fireplace, furnace, or stove.

2. a framework of parallel or crossed bars, used as a partition, guard, cover, or the like; grating.

3. a fireplace.

verb (used with object)

grated, grating 

1. to furnish with a grate or grates.

grate

²

[greyt]

verb (used without object)

grated, grating 

1. to have an irritating or unpleasant effect.

   His constant chatter grates on my nerves.

2. to make a sound of, or as if of, rough scraping; rasp.

3. to sound harshly; jar.

   to grate on the ear.

4. to scrape or rub with rough or noisy friction, as one thing on or against another.

verb (used with object)

grated, grating 

1. to reduce to small particles by rubbing against a rough surface or a surface with many sharp-edged openings.

   to grate a carrot.

2. to rub together with a harsh, jarring sound.

   to grate one's teeth.

3. to irritate or annoy.

   Synonyms: bug, rile, irk, nettle, gall, vex

4. Archaic.,  to wear down or away by rough friction.

grate

¹

/ ɡreɪt /

noun

1. a framework of metal bars for holding fuel in a fireplace, stove, or furnace

2. a less common word for fireplace

3. another name for grating 1

4. mining a perforated metal screen for grading crushed ore

verb

1. (tr) to provide with a grate or grates

grate

²

/ ɡreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce to small shreds by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface

   to grate carrots

2. to scrape (an object) against something or (objects) together, producing a harsh rasping sound, or (of objects) to scrape with such a sound

3. (intr; foll by on or upon) to annoy

noun

1. a harsh rasping sound

Other Word Forms

• grateless adjective
• gratelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grate¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin grāta “a grating, lattice,” variant of crāta, derivative of Latin crāt- (stem of crātis ) “wickerwork, hurdle”; crate

Origin of grate²

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English graten “to reduce to powder, crumble, grate,” from Old French grater, from Germanic; compare German kratzen “to scratch,” Swedish kratta “to rake”

Word History and Origins

Origin of grate¹

C14: from Old French grate, from Latin crātis hurdle

Origin of grate²

C15: from Old French grater to scrape, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krazzōn

Example Sentences

And yes, don’t be shy about layering: a little sprinkle of grated parmesan on top of melted mozzarella or cheddar can elevate even the humblest frozen fry to dinner-party territory.

From Salon

While grating noises and intolerable heat may be experienced in pockets across the city, making it hard to draw direct comparisons, some whole sections of L.A. feel conspicuously beset by these environmental disturbances.

From Los Angeles Times

A splash of cream softened everything into a pale, velvety sauce, and a grating of parmesan and lemon zest nudged it toward something bright and indulgent.

From Salon

If the squash is destined for a toast, dip or sandwich, I like to grate it or pulse it in the food processor into coarse shreds — just shy of a purée.

From Salon

Her in-laws have installed metal sheet grates over theirs, marking a “huge cost” for mitigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mince 
• rub