grate
1. grate \'gra-t\ n [ME, fr. ML crata, grata hurdle, modif. of L cratis -
more]at HURDLE obs 1: CAGE, PRISON 2: a frame of parallel bars or a
lattice of crossed ones blocking a passage 3a: a frame or basket of iron
bars to hold a stove or furnace fire 3b: FIREPLACE 4: a screen or sieve
for grading ore
2. grate vt : to furnish with a grate
3. grate vb [ME graten, fr. MF grater to scratch, of Gmc origin; akin to
OHG Xkrazzo-n to scratch archaic 1: ABRADE 2: to pulverize by rubbing
with something rough 3: FRET, IRRITATE 4a: to gnash or grind noisily 4b:
to cause to make a rasping sound 4c: to utter in a harsh voice 1: to rub
or rasp noisily 2: to cause irritation : JAR - grat.er n