grate
/ɡreɪt/
noun
- A framework of parallel or crossed bars, typically used as a cover for an opening or as a filter.
- Leaves collected on the grate over the storm drain.
- The water flowed through the metal grate into the drain.
- A heavy iron grate covered the cellar window.
- A fireplace or furnace fuel holder made of metal bars.
- He placed the logs on the grate and lit the fire.
- She cleaned the grate before building a new fire.
- The blackened grate in the old fireplace still held ashes.
verb
- To shred food into small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface.
- He carefully grated the lemon zest over the cake batter.
- I need to grate some cheese for the pasta.
- She grated a carrot and added it to the salad.
- To make an annoying, scraping sound.
- The old gate grates every time it opens.
- The metal chair legs grated against the tile floor.
- Her fingernails grating on the chalkboard made everyone cringe.
- To irritate or annoy someone over time.
- The loud music from next door grated on her all evening.
- His constant complaining began to grate on my nerves.
- It grates me when people interrupt during a conversation.