I. ˈgrāt verb
( grat·ed ; grat·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French grater to scratch, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German krazzōn 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 ˈgrā-tiŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin crata, grata hurdle, alteration of Latin cratis — more at hurdle
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a barred frame for cooking over a fire
b. : a frame or bed of iron bars to hold a stove or furnace fire
c. : fireplace
2. : grating 2
3. obsolete : cage , prison
III. transitive verb
( grat·ed ; grat·ing )
Date: 1547
: to furnish with a grate