n.
Pronunciation: ' gr ā t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: grat · ed ; grat · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French grater to scratch, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German krazz ō n to scratch
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 archaic : ABRADE
2 : to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough < grate cheese>
3 : FRET , IRRITATE
4 a : to gnash or grind noisily b : to cause to make a rasping sound c : to utter in a harsh voice
intransitive verb
1 : to rub or rasp noisily
2 : to cause irritation : JAR <a voice that grate s on the nerves>
– grat · er noun
– grat · ing · ly \ ' gr ā -ti ŋ -l ē \ adverb