Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Grate?

\Grate\, a. [L. gratus agreeable, grateful: cf. It. & Sp. grato. See Grace, and cf. Agree.] Serving to gratify; agreeable. [Obs.] --Sir T. Herbert.
\Grate\, n. [LL. grata, fr. L. crates hurdle; or It. grata, of the same origin. Sae Crate, Hurdle.] 1. A structure or frame containing parallel or crosed bars, with interstices; a kind of latticework, such as is used ia the windows of prisons and cloisters. ``A secret grate of iron bars.'' --Shak. 2. A frame or bed, or kind of basket, of iron bars, for holding fuel while burning. {Grate surface} (Steam, Boiler) the area of the surface of the grate upon which the fuel lies in the furnace.
\Grate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Grated}; p. pr. &. vb. n. {Grating}.] To furnish with grates; to protect with a grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window.
\Grate\, v. t. [OF grater to scrape, scratch, F. gratter, LL. gratare, cratare; of German origin; cf. OHG. chrazz[=o]n G. kratzen, D. krassen, Sw. Kratta, and perh. E. scratch.] 1. To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing. On their hinges grate Harsh thunder. --Milton. 2. To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg. 3. To fret; to irritate; to offend. News, my good lord Rome . . . grates me. --Shak.
\Grate\, v. i. 1. To make a harsh sound by friction. I had rather hear a brazen canstick turned, Or a dry wheel grate on the exletree. --Shak. 2. To produce the effect of rubbing with a hard rough material; to cause wearing, tearing, or bruising. Hence; To produce exasperation, soreness, or grief; to offend by oppression or importunity. This grated harder upon the hearts of men. --South.