Rasp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rasp

[rɑːsp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fruit

A small, juicy, red or black edible fruit that grows on a type of bush.

Synonyms

berry, fruit.

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Word Description / Examples
rasp

This word can also be an informal short form for raspberry, more commonly used in a colloquial context.

  • She picked a ripe rasp from the bush.
  • He made a delicious rasp pie.
  • Do you want some rasp jam?
berry

This term is used for small, pulpy, and often edible fruits. It is used in botanical and culinary contexts.

  • She added fresh berries to the cereal.
  • The birds were pecking at the berries on the bush.
  • We went berry picking in the summer.
fruit

This is a general term for the edible part of a plant that typically contains seeds. It can be used in both botanical and culinary contexts.

  • Apples are my favorite fruit.
  • The fruit salad was delicious.
  • He grows a variety of fruits in his garden.

Examples of usage

  • She picked some raspberries from the bush.
  • Raspberries are a popular ingredient in desserts.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

To make a harsh, grating sound.

Synonyms

grate, scrape.

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Word Description / Examples
rasp

Used to describe a rough, harsh sound, often when something is not smooth. It can also mean a coarse file used for shaping wood or other materials.

  • The rasp of the wood against the rough surface was jarring
  • She used a rasp to smooth out the edges of the wooden plank
grate

Commonly used in cooking to describe the action of shredding ingredients into small pieces using a grater. It can also mean something annoying or an irritating noise.

  • She grated the cheese for the pasta
  • His constant complaints started to grate on her nerves
scrape

Describes removing a thin layer from a surface, often creating a harsh noise. It can also mean to barely manage something or to suffer a slight injury.

  • He had to scrape the ice off his windshield
  • She scraped her knee when she fell

Examples of usage

  • The metal grate rasped against the concrete floor.
  • Her voice rasped from shouting all day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, a rasp can refer to a rough or raspy voice, often found in blues and rock genres.
  • Sounds similar to a rasp can be created using various musical instruments, creating distinct, gritty tones.
  • Certain vocal techniques mimic a rasping sound to convey strong emotions in performances.

Literature

  • Writers often use a rasping voice to depict strong characters, suggesting toughness or aggression.
  • The term can symbolize struggle or conflict in poetry, providing a visual to the reader's mind.
  • Rasping sounds or voices in novels can create tension and drama in storytelling.

Psychology

  • The sound of rasping can be associated with feelings of discomfort or unease, often influencing mood.
  • Study shows that harsh sounds can increase stress levels in individuals, contrasting with soft, soothing sounds.
  • The sensation of rasping surfaces can evoke different emotional responses based on personal experiences.

Tools

  • Rasps are traditional woodworking tools designed to shape and smooth out a variety of materials.
  • Modern versions of rasps can be made from metals, ceramics, and other advanced materials for durability.
  • They come in different shapes and coarseness, catering to different sanding tasks in crafts and construction.

Origin of 'rasp'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rasp' comes from the Old French 'raspe', meaning to scrape or abrade.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, initially referring to a scraping sound.
  • The term also describes a coarse tool used in woodworking to smooth out rough edges.

The word 'rasp' comes from the Middle English word 'raspe', which in turn comes from the Old French word 'raspe', meaning 'a grater'. The fruit 'raspberry' gets its name from the Middle English word 'raspise', which is derived from the Old English word 'raseberige'. The verb 'rasp' has been used since the late 14th century to describe the harsh, grating sound.


See also: rasping, raspy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,133, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.