(1):
(p. pr. &. vb. n.) of Grate
(2):
(a.) That grates; making a harsh sound; harsh.
(3):
(n.) The strong wooden lattice used to cover a hatch, admitting light and air; also, a movable Lattice used for the flooring of boats.
(4):
(n.) A partition, covering, or frame of parallel or cross bars; a latticework resembling a window grate; as, the grating of a prison or convent.
(5):
(n.) A harsh sound caused by attrition.
(6):
(n.) A system of close equidistant and parallel lines lines or bars, especially lines ruled on a polished surface, used for producing spectra by diffraction; - called also diffraction grating.
(7):
(n.) A system of close equidistant parallel lines or bars, esp. lines ruled on a polished surface, used for producing spectra by diffraction. Gratings have been made with over 40,000 such lines to the inch, but those with a somewhat smaller number give the best definition.