grid
UK[ɡrɪd]US[ɡrɪd]
n
A pattern of straight lines that cross each other to form squares
n
A system of numbered squares printed on a map so that the exact position of any place can be found
n
A network of cables or pipes for distributing power, especially electricity or gas, over a large area
Etymology
The word 'grid' is a modern English shortening of 'gridiron', which dates back to the 14th century. 'Gridiron' itself originated from Middle English 'gredire', a variant of 'gredil' (grating, grill), which came from Old French 'gredil', and ultimately from Latin 'craticula', a diminutive of 'cratis' meaning 'wickerwork, hurdle'. The semantic journey is from a framework of crossed wooden strips (a hurdle or grill) to the abstract concept of a network of intersecting lines, capturing the essential idea of a structured, criss-crossing framework. The clipped form 'grid' emerged in the late 19th century, initially in electrical engineering contexts, before broadening to its current general meanings.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. It is a back-formation from the earlier word 'gridiron'.
Examples
The city streets were laid out in a neat grid.
Find the town's location using the map grid reference.
A severe storm caused a failure in the national power grid.