A grater is a kitchen tool with a surface containing sharp, raised edges used for shredding and grating foods into fine or coarse textures. It is commonly used to grate cheese, vegetables, citrus zest, and more. Graters come in various sizes and styles, such as box graters, handheld graters, and rotary graters. They are essential for quickly creating uniform textures and adding flavor and texture to dishes. Graters are versatile tools that save time in food preparation and are commonly used in recipes ranging from salads to baked goods.