Grate ( verb , noun )

(As a verb)

Grate ( verb )

1. To reduce something, such as food, to small shreds by rubbing it on a rough surface.
2. To make a harsh, scraping noise by rubbing one surface against another.
3. To annoy or irritate someone with persistent minor problems.

Origin:

Middle english (in the sense "to scrape or scratch"): from old french gratter, of unknown origin.

Examples:

1. She grated the cheese for the pizza.
2. The sound of nails on a chalkboard grates on my nerves.
3. His constant complaining grates on everyone's nerves.
4. She grated the nutmeg over the top of the dish.
5. The sound of the train grated along the tracks.

(As a noun)

Grate ( noun )

1. To reduce something, such as food, to small shreds by rubbing it on a rough surface.
2. To make a harsh, scraping noise by rubbing one surface against another.
3. To annoy or irritate someone with persistent minor problems.

Origin:

Middle english (in the sense "to scrape or scratch"): from old french gratter, of unknown origin.

Examples:

1. She grated the cheese for the pizza.
2. The sound of nails on a chalkboard grates on my nerves.
3. His constant complaining grates on everyone's nerves.
4. She grated the nutmeg over the top of the dish.
5. The sound of the train grated along the tracks.