Definition

1. Noun:

   • A framework of parallel or crossed bars: A metal structure, often of iron bars, that blocks a passage but allows air or small objects to pass through. Commonly found in fireplaces, drains, or windows.
   • A harsh, rasping sound: The unpleasant noise produced when hard or rough surfaces are scraped together.

2. Verb:

   • To reduce to small shreds by rubbing: To shred food or other material into small pieces by rubbing it against a rough, perforated surface.
   • To make a harsh, grinding sound: To produce an unpleasant, rasping noise by rubbing things together.
   • To irritate or annoy: To have a very irritating effect on someone's feelings or nerves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old fireplace had a heavy iron grate.
  • A loud grate of metal on concrete echoed in the garage.

• Verb:

  • Please grate some cheese for the pasta.
  • The rusty hinges grate every time we open the door.
  • His constant complaining began to grate on her.

Advanced Usage

• "to grate on someone/something": To irritate or annoy someone persistently.
  • His arrogant tone grates on everyone in the office.
• "to grate against": To rub harshly against something, often producing a sound or causing friction.
  • The boat's hull grated against the rocky shore.

Variants and Related Words

• Grater (n): A kitchen tool with a perforated, rough surface used for grating food.
  • She used a grater for the carrots.
• Grating (adj): Describing a harsh and irritating sound or manner.
  • He spoke in a grating voice.
• Grating (n): A framework of parallel bars, similar to a grate, often used over an opening.
  • The sewer grating was stuck.

Synonyms

• Verb (shred): Shred, shred, pulverize.
• Verb (irritate): Irritate, annoy, rankle, chafe.
• Verb (scrape): Scrape, rasp, grind.
• Noun (framework): Grid, grille, lattice.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Grate on: To annoy or irritate someone over time.
  • The noise from the construction site grated on the residents.
• Grate against: To rub something with a harsh, scraping motion.
  • The chair leg grated against the floor.

Related Idioms

• To grate one's teeth: To grind one's teeth together, often due to anger, pain, or frustration.
  • He could only grate his teeth in silent fury at the unfair decision.
• To grate on the ears/nerves: To be extremely irritating to listen to or experience.
  • The politician's excuses grated on the ears of the voters.

Noun

1. a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air
2. a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something
3. a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

Verb

1. scratch repeatedly
   • The cat scraped at the armchair
2. make a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together
   • grate one's teeth in anger
3. reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface
   • grate carrots and onions
   • grate nutmeg
4. gnaw into; make resentful or angry
   • The injustice rankled her
   • his resentment festered
5. furnish with a grate
   • a grated fireplace