grate
UK[ɡreɪt]US[ɡreɪt]
v
to rub food against a grater in order to cut it into small pieces
v
to make an unpleasant sound by rubbing against something
v
to have an annoying or irritating effect on someone
n
a metal frame with bars across it, used in a fireplace or over a drain
Etymology
the word 'grate' entered english from old french in the late 14th century, carrying the core meaning of 'to scrape'. this french term itself has germanic roots, likely from frankish, connecting it to a common proto-germanic concept of scratching or scraping a surface. the dual modern meanings—the physical act of shredding food and the figurative sense of causing irritation—both stem logically from this original abrasive action. the noun form, referring to a framework of bars, developed from the notion of a grating or grid used for scraping or holding, first recorded in the early 15th century.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french 'grater', meaning 'to scrape', which is of frankish origin, related to the old high german 'krazzon', meaning 'to scratch'.
Examples
grate some cheese over the pasta before serving.
the rusty gate began to grate loudly as it swung open.
his constant complaining started to grate on her nerves.