Definition of grate

• a. - Serving to gratify; agreeable.
• n. - A structure or frame containing parallel or crosed bars, with interstices; a kind of latticework, such as is used ia the windows of prisons and cloisters.
• n. - A frame or bed, or kind of basket, of iron bars, for holding fuel while burning.
• v. t. - To furnish with grates; to protect with a grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window.
• v. t. - To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing.
• v. t. - To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg.
• v. t. - To fret; to irritate; to offend.
• v. i. - To make a harsh sound by friction.
• v. i. - To produce the effect of rubbing with a hard rough material; to cause wearing, tearing, or bruising. Hence; To produce exasperation, soreness, or grief; to offend by oppression or importunity.