Definition of "rasp" in English

noun

1. A coarse file or filelike tool, on which the cutting prominences are distinct points raised by the oblique stroke of a sharp punch, instead of lines raised by a chisel, as on the true file.

2. The sound made by this tool when used, or any similar sound.

   • the rasp of her perpetual cough

verb

1. (intransitive) To use a rasp.

2. (intransitive) To make a noise similar to the one a rasp makes in use; to utter rasps.

3. To say in a raspy voice.

4. (transitive) To work something with a rasp.

   • to rasp wood to make it smooth
   • to rasp bones to powder

5. (ambitransitive, figurative) To grate harshly upon; to offend by coarse or rough treatment or language.

   • Some sounds rasp the ear.
   • His insults rasped my temper.

noun

1. (obsolete) The raspberry.