I. ˈgrid noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: back-formation from gridiron
1. : grating , gridiron
2. : something resembling or likened to a grating: as
a.
(1) : a perforated or ridged metal plate used as a conductor and as a support for the active material of a storage-battery electrode
(2) : an electrode consisting of a mesh or a spiral of fine wire interposed between two other elements of an electron tube
(3) : network 4
(4) : a network of pipes (as for distributing gas or water)
b. : a network of uniformly spaced horizontal and perpendicular lines ; specifically : one used for locating points (as on a map, chart, or aerial photograph) by means of a system of coordinates
c. : a wooden framework into which a boat may be floated at high tide in order that repairs may be made when the tide falls
d. : a postal cancellation with a gridiron pattern (as on an early United States stamp)
e. : gridiron 3 c
f. : gridiron 3 d ; broadly : football 1
forgotten grid heroes
II. transitive verb
( gridded ; gridded ; gridding ; grids )
1. : to equip or cover with a grid
a map gridded with red lines
2. : to connect (as electric or gas lines) into a grid : distribute (as electricity or gas) by means of a grid
III. noun
1. : a network of conductors for the distribution of electric power ; also : a network of radio or television stations
2. : the starting positions of cars on a racecourse
3. : a device (as of glass) in a photocomposer on which are located the characters to be exposed as the text is composed
4. : something resembling a grid especially in rigidly organized structure