grate2

 
Pronunciation: /greɪt/

noun

  • 1the recess of a fireplace or furnace: a small coal fire burned in the grate
  • a metal frame for holding fuel in a fireplace or furnace.
  • 2a grating.

Origin:

Middle English (meaning 'a grating'): from Old French, based on Latin cratis 'hurdle'

Do not confuse grate with great. Grate means 'shred food' ( grate the cheese into a bowl) or 'a metal fireplace frame', whereas great means 'very big, important, etc.' ( a great achievement for British science).