grate 1
— grateless , adj. — gratelike , adj.
/grayt/ , n. , v. , grated, grating .
n.
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.
v.t.
4. to furnish with a grate or grates.
[ 1350-1400; ME grata a grating, var. of CRATA, deriv. of L crat- (s. of cratis ) wickerwork, hurdle; cf. CRATE ]
grate 2
/grayt/ , v. , grated, grating .
v.i.
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.
v.t.
5. to reduce to small particles by rubbing against a rough surface or a surface with many sharp-edged openings: to grate a carrot.
6. to rub together with a harsh, jarring sound: to grate one's teeth.
7. to irritate or annoy.
8. Archaic. to wear down or away by rough friction.
[ 1375-1425; late ME graten grater kratzen to scratch ]
Syn. 7. vex, gall, nettle, irk, rile, bug.