Main Entry: ¹grate

Pronunciation: \ˈgrāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): grat·ed; grat·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French grater to scratch, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German krazzōn to scratch

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 archaic : abrade
2 : to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough <grate cheese>
3 : fret, irritate
4 a : to gnash or grind noisily b : to cause to make a rasping sound c : to utter in a harsh voiceintransitive verb 1 : to rub or rasp noisily
2 : to cause irritation : jar <a voice that grates on the nerves>

— grat·er noun

— grat·ing·ly \ˈgrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb