grating

Noun · Adjective
Synonyms: gratediffraction gratinggravellyraspingraspyroughscratchy

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting airSynonyms: grate
  2. a frame of iron bars to hold a fireSynonyms: grate
  3. optical device consisting of a surface with many parallel grooves in it; disperses a beam of light (or other electromagnetic radiation) into its wavelengths to produce its spectrumSynonyms: diffraction grating

Adjective (1)

  1. unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound“a gravelly voice”Synonyms: gravellyraspingraspyroughscratchy
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Grate \Grate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grated; p. pr. & vb. n. Grating.] To furnish with grates; to protect with a grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window. [1913 Webster]
Grating \Grat"ing\, n. [See 2d Grate.]

1.A partition, covering, or frame of parallel or cross bars; a latticework resembling a window grate; as, the grating of a prison or convent. [1913 Webster]

2.(Optics) A system of close equidistant parallel lines or bars, esp. lines ruled on a polished surface, used for producing spectra by diffraction; -- called also diffraction grating.

Note: Gratings have been made with over 40,000 such lines to the inch, but those with a somewhat smaller number give the best definition. They are used, e. g., to produce monochromatic light for use in optical instruments such as spectrophotometers. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

3.pl. (Naut.) The strong wooden lattice used to cover a hatch, admitting light and air; also, a movable Lattice used for the flooring of boats. [1913 Webster]

Grating \Grat"ing\, a. [See Grate to rub harshy.] That grates; making a harsh sound; harsh. -- Grat"ing*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]
Grating \Grat"ing\, n. A harsh sound caused by attrition. [1913 Webster]
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