Grating

/ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/ adjective, noun

A sound that is unpleasant and harsh to hear, or a framework of bars or wires close together; making you annoyed or irritated.

From Old French 'grate' (grill, framework), from Latin 'crates' (wicker, hurdle). The verb 'grate' (to annoy) comes separately from the scraping sound of grinding, probably imitative.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb