grid

[ grid ]

noun

1. a grating of crossed bars; gridiron.
2. Electricity.
   1. a metallic framework employed in a storage cell or battery for conducting the electric current and supporting the active material.
   2. a system of electrical distribution serving a large area, especially by means of high-tension lines.
3. Electronics. an electrode in a vacuum tube, usually consisting of parallel wires, a coil of wire, or a screen, for controlling the flow of electrons between the other electrodes.
4. Surveying. a basic system of reference lines for a region, consisting of straight lines intersecting at right angles.
5. a network of horizontal and perpendicular lines, uniformly spaced, for locating points on a map, chart, or aerial photograph by means of a system of coordinates.
6. Architecture. a rectangular system of coordinates used in locating the principal elements of a plan.
7. grillage.
8. Football. gridiron ( def 1 ).

grid

/ ɡrɪd /

noun

1. See gridiron
2. a network of horizontal and vertical lines superimposed over a map, building plan, etc, for locating points
3. a grating consisting of parallel bars
4. the grid
   the national network of transmission lines, pipes, etc, by which electricity, gas, or water is distributed
5. short for national grid
6. Also calledcontrol grid electronics
   1. an electrode situated between the cathode and anode of a valve usually consisting of a cylindrical mesh of wires, that controls the flow of electrons between cathode and anode See also screen grid suppressor grid
   2. ( as modifier )

      the grid bias

7. See starting grid
8. a plate in an accumulator that carries the active substance
9. any interconnecting system of links

   the bus service formed a grid across the country

10. Northern English dialect word for face

Derived Forms

• ˈgridded, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grid¹

First recorded in 1830–40; short for gridiron

Word History and Origins

Origin of grid¹

C19: back formation from gridiron

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. off grid. See off-grid. Also off the grid.

Example Sentences

Grindr’s unique user interface known as the grid allows for quick and abundant connections and avoids the swiping model that some users have grown tired of, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Alpine started the season as the slowest on the grid but has made significant progress in recent months.

From BBC

But too many miners arrived and put huge strain on the electricity grid, putting the country at risk of blackouts.

From BBC

As more energy comes from renewable sources, smart meters will form a vital part of a “smart grid”, allowing consumers’ demand for energy to match the available supply, minute-by-minute.

From BBC

According to the Department of Energy, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are the fastest-growing segments on the power grid — driven by federal tax credits, state renewable-energy mandates, and technology advancements that have lowered their costs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• framework
• network