rasp (răsp)

v., rasped, rasp·ing, rasps.

v.tr.

1. To file or scrape with a coarse file having sharp projections.
2. To utter in a grating voice.
3. To grate on (nerves or feelings).

v.intr.

1. To scrape harshly; grate.
2. To make a harsh grating sound.

n.

1. A coarse file with sharp, raised, pointed projections.
2. The act of filing with a rasp.
3. A harsh grating sound.

[Middle English raspen, from Middle Dutch raspen and Old French rasper, of Germanic origin.]

rasper rasp'er n.
raspingly rasp'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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