grate

  1. Noun.  A horizontal metal grille through which water, ash, or small objects can fall, while larger objects cannot.
  2. Verb.  (transitive, cooking) To shred things, usually foodstuffs, by rubbing across a grater.
  3. Verb.  (intransitive) To rub against, making a (usually unpleasant) squeaking sound.
  4. Verb.  (by extension) To grate on one’s nerves; to irritate or annoy.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.