When it comes to cooking, there are many tools that can help make the process easier and more efficient. One such tool is the box grater. This kitchen essential is used to grate, shred, or slice a variety of ingredients, from cheese to vegetables. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of box grater.
Definitions
A box grater is a kitchen utensil that consists of a rectangular or square box with four sides. Each side has a different grating surface, ranging from fine to coarse. The box is usually made of metal, plastic, or wood, and the grating surfaces are typically made of stainless steel.
Origin
The box grater is believed to have originated in Europe in the 17th century. It was originally made of wood and had only one grating surface. Over time, the design evolved to include multiple grating surfaces and materials such as metal and plastic.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, a box grater is “a kitchen utensil with four sides of different grating surfaces.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a grater with four sides, each with a different grating surface, mounted in a rectangular or square frame.”
Associations
The box grater is often associated with cooking and food preparation. It is commonly used to grate cheese, vegetables, and fruits. It can also be used to shred meat, chocolate, and nuts.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for box grater include cheese grater, vegetable grater, and shredder.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for box grater, but other kitchen tools that can be used to grate or shred ingredients include a food processor, mandoline, or hand-held grater.
The same root words
The root word for grater is “grate,” which comes from the Old French word “grater” meaning “to scrape or scratch.”
Example Sentences
- “I need to grate some cheese for the lasagna. Can you pass me the box grater?”.
- “Using a box grater is a quick and easy way to shred carrots for a salad.”
- “Be careful when using a box grater, as the sharp edges can be dangerous.”