1. to shred food into small pieces using a rough-surfaced tool
2. to make a harsh scraping sound
3. to irritate or annoy

1. a framework of metal bars used to hold fuel in a fireplace
2. a metal framework covering a drain or opening

Examples

• She used a cheese grater to grate the cheddar for the salad.
• The chalk began to grate against the blackboard.
• His constant complaining really grates on my nerves.
• The fire burned brightly on the iron grate.
• Water flowed through the storm grate into the sewer.
• Please grate some fresh parmesan over the pasta.
• The metal door grated as it opened slowly.