Dictionary
grate
Pronunciation: (grāt), [key]
—n., v., grat•ed, grat•ing.
—
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.
to furnish with a grate or grates.
grate
Pronunciation: (grāt), [key]
—v., grat•ed, grat•ing.
—
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.
1. to reduce to small particles by rubbing against a rough surface or a surface with many sharp-edged openings:
to grate a carrot.
2. to rub together with a harsh, jarring sound:
to grate one's teeth.
3. to irritate or annoy.
4. Archaic.to wear down or away by rough friction.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.