Definition of grate

The origin of the word "grate" can be traced back to the Middle English language, during the 14th century. At that time, the word "graten" was coined as a variant spelling of the Old English word "grōtan," which roughly translated to "to rub or wear away." The Old English word "grōtan" was derived from the Germanic root "grec-, graec-," which meant "to scratch, grate, or rub." This root is related to the modern German word "greifen," which also means "to grasp, take, or seize." The Old English word "grōtan" was typically used to describe the action of rubbing or scraping materials against each other, such as sandpaper or a sanding block. It could also be used to describe the sound that results from scraping or grinding materials together, such as the noise produced by a cheesegrater or a metal file. Over time, the Middle English variant "graten" replaced the original Old English spelling, which eventually led to the modern spelling of "grate." Although the modern meaning of "grate" has expanded to include various objects (such as a kitchen grater or a heating grate), its etymological roots remain closely tied to the idea of rubbing, scraping, or grinding materials together.