# eggcrate
## English
### Etymology

From egg +‎ crate.

### Noun

eggcrate (countable and uncountable, plural eggcrates)
* Alternative form of egg crate
** A crate for eggs.
*** 2012, Robert Shannon, Applied Optics and Optical Engineering - Volume 7, →ISBN, page 110:The eggcrate fused silica lightweight mirror structure is assembled from machined fused silica parts and consists usually Of two circular plates between which is fitted a core Structure of slotted, interlocking ribs (similar to the dividers in old fashioned eggcrates).
** A self-contained class
*** 1962, Frontiers of Science Foundation of Oklahoma, Tomorrow's teaching:Instead of having a nice modular eggcrate, we now want to build an immodular eggcrate. Deliberately we want to impose upon future teachers, not the nice simple eggcrate, but a more complicated one.
** A foam pad
*** 1996, The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing:Mean Skin Assessment Scale scores of patients in control, hydrocolloid dressing and eggcrate foam groups Group Mean score in treatment period
** A textured surface or insert.
*** 2011, David Lee Smith, Environmental Issues for Architecture, →ISBN:Although eggcrate louvers can effectively cut off the view of bright lamps, the grid itself can become rather bright, especially when it is white.
*** 1948, Electrical Consultant - Volume 54, page 26:The eggcrate is recessed in a suspended plaster ceiling and extends almost the full length of the 70 foot long store, giving the illusion of a floating ceiling.
*** 2012, Robert Shannon, Applied Optics and Optical Engineering - Volume 7, →ISBN, page 110:The eggcrate fused silica lightweight mirror structure is assembled from machined fused silica parts and consists usually Of two circular plates between which is fitted a core Structure of slotted, interlocking ribs (similar to the dividers in old fashioned eggcrates).
** A style of roof
*** 1964, Sunset, How to build patio roofs, page 55:An eggcrate shelter, which is open to the sky but substantial enough to give the feeling of protection, may be your answer.
*** 1993, Michael Littlewood, Landscape Detailing: Structures, →ISBN, page 6:One very popular type of overhead shelter is the eggcrate. The eggcrate is composed of horizontal roof supports at right angles to one another, with equal spacing in both directions.
** Grid-like support structure.
*** 1979, British Nuclear Energy Agency, Welding and fabrication in the nuclear industry, →ISBN, page 71:Eggcrates are carefully aligned at specific locations by adjusting the location of each radially with corresponding tube holes.
*** 2010, F. C. Campbell, Structural Composite Materials, →ISBN, page 115:To prevent distortion during the postcure, the eggcrate support structure is usually attached to the faceplate prior to postcure.
*** 2014, James Mahaffey, Atomic Accidents, →ISBN:There was no fuel cladding, no zirconium egg-crates holding the fuel in a rigid matrix, no steam in the reactor vessel to float away with fission products into the atmosphere, and, of course, there was no danger of the fuel melting.
* Alternative form of egg-crating (plastic mat)
** 2000, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium - Volume 23, Issues 10-12, page 48:Many hobbyists are familiar with the material known as "eggcrate." For those who don't know, eggcrate is made of plastic strips forming a grid of squares about 1/2" wide; it is available in most hardware stores in 2' x 4' sheets and usually costs less than $10.
* A display that egg-crates multiple images.
** 2014, Nicolae Sfetcu, Game Preview:The eggcrate display has been used on more game shows than any other score display in history, and is still used today on The Price Is Right.

### Verb

eggcrate (third-person singular simple present eggcrates, present participle eggcrating, simple past and past participle eggcrated)
* Alternative form of egg-crate