The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STRIDENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
R
I
D
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result STRIDENT
- Spades and fork, rough but penetrating
- Vociferous march by conservationists
- Second weapon demanding attention
- Small missile making a loud noise
- Harsh when scandal’s brought up during broadcast
- Loud type of jazz, not without heart
- . Small nuclear weapon, but making a very loud sound
- Urgent, filth is back on hospital department
- Resounding end of pointless missile
- Harsh, spiteful gossip’s going around medical department
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "grating" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case grating = strident.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STRIDENT mean?
STRIDENT noun- One of a class of s-like fricatives produced by an airstream directed at the upper teeth.
- Loud; shrill, piercing, high-pitched; rough-sounding
- Grating or obnoxious
- Vigorous; making strides