A grater is a kitchen tool used to shred or grate food into smaller pieces. It typically has a flat surface with sharp-edged holes of various sizes, allowing users to create fine or coarse shreds of ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest. Graters can be made from stainless steel, plastic, or other materials, and they come in different shapes, including box graters and handheld versions. Graters are commonly used in cooking and baking to enhance flavors and textures. For example, shredded cheese can be melted over dishes, while grated zucchini can be added to recipes for moisture. They are essential tools for both professional chefs and home cooks.