grate1

 
Pronunciation: /greɪt/

verb

  • 1 [with object] reduce (food) to small shreds by rubbing it on a grater: (as adjective grated) grated cheese
  • 2 [no object] make an unpleasant rasping sound: the hinges of the door grated
  • [with direct speech] say something in a harsh tone: ‘How dare you!’ he grated
  • 3 [no object] have an irritating effect: the buzzing sound grated on her nerves

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French grater, of Germanic origin; related to German kratzen 'to scratch'

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).