grate
grate Lexical Profile
grate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A framework of parallel or crossed metal bars, typically used as a partition, guard, or cover over an opening.
"Rainwater drained quickly through the iron grate in the street."
A metal frame or receptacle used to hold burning fuel such as wood or coal in a fireplace or furnace.
"She placed a fresh log on the grate to keep the fire going throughout the evening."
• verb
To reduce food to small shreds by rubbing it on a serrated surface.
"You will need to grate a cup of cheddar cheese to sprinkle over the casserole."
To have an irritating, annoying, or unpleasant effect on someone.
"His constant complaining during the meeting started to grate on his colleagues' nerves."
To make a harsh, scraping sound by rubbing against a rough or unyielding surface.
"The heavy wooden door began to grate against the stone floor as it was pushed open."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with its homophone 'great', which means large or excellent, whereas 'grate' refers to a framework of bars or the action of shredding or irritating.
• Rhymes for grate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun comes from Old French 'grate' and Medieval Latin 'grata' (lattice). The verb derives from Old French 'grater' (to scratch or scrape), which is of Germanic origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.