Definition

1. Noun:
   • A framework of parallel or crossed bars: A structure consisting of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines that form squares or rectangles, often used for reference or organization.
   • A network of lines or channels: A system of intersecting lines, such as those used for distributing electricity, mapping, or urban planning.
   • A cooking utensil: A metal frame of parallel bars used for grilling food over heat.
   • An electrode in electronics: A device in a vacuum tube, placed between the cathode and anode, that controls the flow of electrons.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The city streets were laid out in a perfect grid. (The streets formed a regular pattern of intersecting lines.)
  • The national power grid delivers electricity across the country. (The network distributes electrical power.)
  • Place the fish on the grid over the hot coals. (Put the fish on the metal cooking frame.)
  • The engineer adjusted the grid voltage to control the tube's amplification. (The technician modified the electrode's electrical potential.)

Advanced Usage

• "Off the grid": Not connected to public utilities, especially the electrical power network; living independently.
  • They built a cabin to live off the grid. (They constructed a home not reliant on public power systems.)
• "On the grid": Connected to and using standard public infrastructure and services.
  • The new housing development will finally be on the grid next month. (The new houses will be connected to public utilities.)
• "Grid reference": A set of numbers and letters that identify a specific location on a map using a grid system.
  • Find the treasure using the grid reference C4. (Locate the item based on its map coordinates.)

Variants and Related Words

• Griddle (n): A flat, heated surface for cooking food like pancakes or burgers. (Note: This is a related cooking utensil but distinct from a 'grid'.)
• Gridlock (n): A state of severe traffic congestion where intersections are blocked.
  • The accident caused total gridlock downtown.
• Gridiron (n): A frame of metal bars for grilling; also, a field for American football marked with parallel lines.
  • He cooked steaks on the gridiron.
• Gridded (adj): Marked with or divided into a grid.
  • Use the gridded paper for the graph.

Synonyms

• Network: An interconnected system (e.g., a ).
• Matrix: An arrangement of elements in rows and columns (often more abstract).
• Lattice: A structure of crossed strips or bars with open spaces between them.
• Rack: A framework for holding or displaying items (context-specific).

Related Phrases

• Grid system: The complete layout or pattern of a grid.
  • The map's grid system makes navigation easy.
• Smart grid: An modern electrical grid that uses digital technology to monitor and manage power flow efficiently.
  • The country is investing in a smart grid to reduce energy waste.

Related Idioms

• A grid of streets: Describes an urban area with streets that intersect at right angles.
  • Manhattan is famous for its grid of streets.

Noun

1. a cooking utensil of parallel metal bars; used to grill fish or meat
2. an electrode placed between the cathode and anode of a vacuum tube to control the flow of electrons through the tube
3. a perforated or corrugated metal plate used in a storage battery as a conductor and support for the active material
4. a system of high tension cables by which electrical power is distributed throughout a region
5. a pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines