grid
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a pattern of straight lines that cross each other to make a set of squares.
n.a framework of spaced parallel bars or lines, typically crossing at right angles to form a series of squares or rectangles.
Simple“The city streets were laid out in a perfect grid, making it very easy to find your way around.”
In context“The archaeologist carefully divided the excavation site into a ten-meter grid to ensure every artifact's location was precisely recorded.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the system of wires and power stations that brings electricity to buildings in a country or area.
n.a network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations for the distribution of electrical power across a region.
Simple“During the heavy storm, a fallen tree damaged the lines and knocked out the power grid.”
In context“Engineers are working to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid without compromising the stability of the power supply.”
UsageOften used with 'the' as in 'the national grid'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the starting positions of cars or bikes at the beginning of a race.
n.the pattern of starting positions for competitors on a racing track, usually determined by qualifying times.
Simple“The champion driver will start at the front of the grid for tomorrow's race.”
In context“After a technical penalty, the driver was forced to start from the back of the grid despite having the fastest qualifying lap.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a group of computers connected together to solve a very difficult problem.
n.a system of distributed computers working together to perform massive computational tasks or process large datasets.
Simple“Scientists used a computing grid to analyze the massive amount of data from the space telescope.”
In context“The research project leverages a global computing grid to simulate climate change models that would be impossible for a single machine to handle.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.a metal frame near the ceiling of a theater used for hanging lights and equipment.
n.an openwork ceiling or framework above a stage or studio used for rigging lights, scenery, and microphones.
Simple“The technician climbed up to the grid to fix a broken spotlight before the show started.”
In context“Safety protocols require all equipment attached to the studio grid to be secured with secondary steel cables.”
Synonyms - 06 C1 Advanced
v.to draw or mark a pattern of squares onto something.
v.to overlay or divide a surface with a network of horizontal and vertical lines.
Simple“The surveyors began to grid the land before the construction of the new housing estate.”
In context“By gridding the canvas before painting, the artist was able to maintain perfect proportions for the large-scale mural.”
“The second of the two 706-megawatt reactors at Cernavodă was disconnected from the Romanian electricity grid just before midday on Thursday.”
“How many ways are there to fill a 3×3 grid with positive whole numbers such that the product of the numbers in each row and each column is 30?”
Back-formation or clipping of griddle or gridiron.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.