grid English · revision 7242

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=back-formation|attested=1839}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɡɹɪd/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a back-formation from [[gridiron]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998) or a shortening of gridiron or [[griddle]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A framework of parallel bars, a grating: 1839.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In electricity, a perforated or ribbed lead plate in a battery is from 1884,^(OED 1989) and the electrode controlling the current in a valve from 1907.^(OED 1989) A network of lines crossing to form squares, as on a map, followed,^(AHD)^(Collins 2023) and a network of power transmission lines is attested by 1926.^(Etymonline) The city-planning grid is from 1954, hence [[gridlock]].^(Etymonline) In motor racing, the starting positions marked on the track are also called the grid.^(MWU 2024)^(HTOED)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1839 – a grating.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1884 – a battery plate.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1907 – a valve electrode.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1926 – an electricity network.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1954 – a street grid.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A framework of crossed or parallel bars; a [[grating]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A pattern of horizontal and vertical lines forming squares, as used on maps.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A network of cables or pipes for distributing [[electricity]], gas or water.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The starting positions of cars in a motor race.^(MWU 2024)

+ # An electrode in an electron tube that controls the flow of electrons.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[gridded]]

+ * [[gridder]]

+ * [[gridiron]]

+ * [[gridlock]]

+ * [[grid road]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[griddle]]

+ * [[grate]]

+ * [[grill]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}