From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
grate
n 1: a frame of iron bars to hold a fire [syn: grate,
grating]
2: a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something
3: a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a
passage but admitting air [syn: grate, grating]
v 1: furnish with a grate; "a grated fireplace"
2: gnaw into; make resentful or angry; "The injustice rankled
her"; "his resentment festered" [syn: eat into, fret,
rankle, grate]
3: reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a
rough or sharp perforated surface; "grate carrots and
onions"; "grate nutmeg"
4: make a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together; "grate
one's teeth in anger" [syn: grate, grind]
5: scratch repeatedly; "The cat scraped at the armchair" [syn:
scrape, grate]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Grate \Grate\, v. i.
1. To make a harsh sound by friction.
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I had rather hear a brazen canstick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the exletree. --Shak.
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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.
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This grated harder upon the hearts of men. --South.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Grate \Grate\, a. [L. gratus agreeable, grateful: cf. It. & Sp.
grato. See Grace, and cf. Agree.]
Serving to gratify; agreeable. [Obs.] --Sir T. Herbert.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Grate \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.
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2. A frame or bed, or kind of basket, of iron bars, for
holding fuel while burning.
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Grate surface (Steam, Boiler) the area of the surface of
the grate upon which the fuel lies in the furnace.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Grate \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.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Grate \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.
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On their hinges grate
Harsh thunder. --Milton.
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2. To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything
rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg.
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3. To fret; to irritate; to offend.
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News, my good lord Rome . . . grates me. --Shak.
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