Plural of grating; frameworks of metal bars or similar material used as screens, drains, or grates; or harsh, irritating sounds or behaviors.
From 'grate' (a framework of bars), which comes from Old French 'grater' (to scrape), ultimately from Latin 'cratis' (wickerwork). The plural simply adds '-s' to the noun.
Gratings serve as barriers that let things through—they're one of the most honest structures in architecture because they're completely transparent about what they're doing, unlike doors or walls that try to hide their blocking function.
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