ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grid

n. · v.
US //ˈɡɹɪd// UK //ɡɹˈɪd// grid
  1. 1 pattern of lines (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a pattern of straight lines that cross each other to make a set of squares.

    a framework of spaced parallel bars or lines, typically crossing at right angles to form a series of squares or rectangles.

    Example

    The city streets were laid out in a perfect grid, making it very easy to find your way around.

    Example

    The archaeologist carefully divided the excavation site into a ten-meter grid to ensure every artifact's location was precisely recorded.
  2. 2 electricity system (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the system of wires and power stations that brings electricity to buildings in a country or area.

    a network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations for the distribution of electrical power across a region.

    Example

    During the heavy storm, a fallen tree damaged the lines and knocked out the power grid.

    Example

    Engineers are working to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid without compromising the stability of the power supply.

    Usage

    Often used with 'the' as in 'the national grid'.
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  1. 3 racing start positions (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the starting positions of cars or bikes at the beginning of a race.

    the pattern of starting positions for competitors on a racing track, usually determined by qualifying times.

    Example

    The champion driver will start at the front of the grid for tomorrow's race.

    Example

    After a technical penalty, the driver was forced to start from the back of the grid despite having the fastest qualifying lap.
    • starting line
  2. 4 distributed computing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a group of computers connected together to solve a very difficult problem.

    a system of distributed computers working together to perform massive computational tasks or process large datasets.

    Example

    Scientists used a computing grid to analyze the massive amount of data from the space telescope.

    Example

    The research project leverages a global computing grid to simulate climate change models that would be impossible for a single machine to handle.
  3. 5 theater/studio ceiling (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a metal frame near the ceiling of a theater used for hanging lights and equipment.

    an openwork ceiling or framework above a stage or studio used for rigging lights, scenery, and microphones.

    Example

    The technician climbed up to the grid to fix a broken spotlight before the show started.

    Example

    Safety protocols require all equipment attached to the studio grid to be secured with secondary steel cables.
  4. 6 to mark with lines (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    to draw or mark a pattern of squares onto something.

    to overlay or divide a surface with a network of horizontal and vertical lines.

    Example

    The surveyors began to grid the land before the construction of the new housing estate.

    Example

    By gridding the canvas before painting, the artist was able to maintain perfect proportions for the large-scale mural.
Origin

Back-formation or clipping of griddle or gridiron.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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