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grate1
—grateless, adj. —gratelike, adj./grayt/, n., v., grated, grating.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.4. to furnish with a grate or grates.[1350-1400; ME < ML grata a grating, var. of CRATA, deriv. of L crat- (s. of cratis) wickerwork, hurdle; cf. CRATE]grate2/grayt/, v., grated, grating.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.5. to reduce to small particles by rubbing against a rough surface or a surface with many sharp-edged openings: to grate a carrot.6. to rub together with a harsh, jarring sound: to grate one's teeth.7. to irritate or annoy.8. Archaic. to wear down or away by rough friction.[1375-1425; late ME graten < OF grater < Gmc; cf. G kratzen to scratch]Syn. 7. vex, gall, nettle, irk, rile, bug.
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Universalium. 2010.