Grate

/ɡreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A frame of bars that allows air to flow through while preventing larger objects from passing.

The fireplace was equipped with a metal grate to hold the logs.

A device with a rough surface used for shredding food.

He used the box grater to prepare carrots for the salad.

verb

To reduce (food) to small shreds by being rubbed on a grater or a rough surface.

She decided to grate some cheese for the pasta.

To cause irritation or annoyance.

The constant noise from the construction site began to grate on her nerves.

Middle English 'grate', from Old French 'grater', from Latin 'grattare' meaning 'to scratch'.

grate on someone's nerves

To annoy or irritate someone.

grates against

To clash or conflict with someone's principles or feelings.

grater

A kitchen utensil used for grating food.

grating

The action of shredding or scraping something.

grated

Food that has been shredded using a grater.

To annoy someone immensely.

His constant bragging really grates.

To critique someone harshly.

The critics really grated on his performance.