grate grate /ˈgreɪt/

noun

1. () A frame of iron bars to hold a fire  ( grating , grate )
   a frame of iron bars to hold a fire
    I like to grate some fresh cheese on top of my pasta
   I like to grate some fresh cheese on top of my pasta
   
   
2. A barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air  ( grate , grating )
   a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air
    The prisoners looked out through the grating, hoping for freedom.
   The prisoners looked out through the grating, hoping for freedom.
   
   
3. A harsh rasping sound made by scraping something  ( grate )
   a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something
   

verb

1. Scratch repeatedly  ( grate , scrape )
   scratch repeatedly
    The cat scraped at the armchair
   The cat scraped at the armchair
   
2. Make a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together  ( grate , grind )
   make a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together
    Grate one's teeth in anger
   grate one's teeth in anger
   
3. Reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface  ( grate )
   reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface
    Grate carrots and onions
   grate carrots and onions
    Grate nutmeg
   grate nutmeg
   
4. Gnaw into; make resentful or angry  ( eat into , fret , grate , rankle )
   gnaw into; make resentful or angry
    The injustice rankled her
   The injustice rankled her
    His resentment festered
   his resentment festered
   
5. Furnish with a grate  ( grate )
   furnish with a grate
    A grated fireplace
   a grated fireplace