/grɪd; ˇrɪd/
n
1 framework of crossing or parallel metal or wooden bars; grating （金属的或木的）格子; 栅栏
*a `cattle-grid, ie one covering a ditch to prevent cattle from straying onto a main road, etc 牲口栅子（置于沟渠上者, 以防牲口走上公路）.
2 (a) network of lines, esp crossing at right angles 网格; （尤指）方格
*[attrib 作定语] New York is laid out on a grid pattern. 纽约展示在网格图上.
(b) network of squares on a map, numbered for reference （地图上的）坐标方格
*[attrib 作定语] the grid reference of a place on a map 地图上某地的坐标方格数字. =>illus at map 见map插图.
3 system of electric-power cables or gas-supply lines for distributing power evenly over a large area 输电网; 煤气输送网
*the National Grid, ie the network of electricity supply in Britain （英国）国家输电网.
4 pattern of lines marking the starting-places on a car-racing track 赛车跑道上标志起点的平行线.

n[C]
[Date: 1800-1900; Origin: gridiron]
a metal frame with bars across it
→cattle grid
a pattern of straight lines that cross each other and form squares
　Its streets were laid out in a grid pattern.
a set of numbered lines printed on a map so that the exact position of any place can be referred to
　The pilots were just given a grid reference (=number referring to a point on a map) of the target.
the network of electricity supply wires that connects power stations and provides electricity to buildings in an area
　the national grid (=the electricity supply in a country)
alsostarting grid
a set of starting positions for all the cars in a motor race