First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rack
noun \ˈrak\
Definition of RACK
: a wind-driven mass of high often broken clouds
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of RACK
Middle English rak rain cloud, rapid movement
2rack
verb
Definition of RACK
intransitive verb
: to fly or scud in high wind
First Known Use of RACK
1590
3rack
noun
Definition of RACK
1
: a framework for holding fodder for livestock
2
: an instrument of torture on which a body is stretched
3
a (1) : a cause of anguish or pain (2) : acute suffering b : the action of straining or wrenching
4
: a framework, stand, or grating on or in which articles are placed
5
a : a bar with teeth on one face for gearing with a pinion or worm gear to transform rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa (as in an automobile steering mechanism) b : a notched bar used as a ratchet to engage with a pawl, click, or detent
6
: a pair of antlers
7
: a triangular frame used to set up the balls in a pool game; also : the balls as set up
Origin of RACK
Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch rec framework; akin to Old English reccan to stretch, Greek oregein — more at right
First Known Use: 14th century
4rack
verb
Definition of RACK
transitive verb
1
: to torture on the rack
2
: to cause to suffer torture, pain, anguish, or ruin
3
a : to stretch or strain violently b : to raise (rents) oppressively c : to harass or oppress with high rents or extortions
4
: to work or treat (material) on a rack
5
: to work by a rack and pinion or worm so as to extend or contract <rack a camera>
6
: to seize (as parallel ropes of a tackle) together
7
: to place (as pool balls) in a rack
intransitive verb
: to become forced out of shape or out of plumb
— rack·er noun
— rack·ing·ly \ˈra-kiŋ-lē\ adverb
First Known Use of RACK
15th century
Synonym Discussion of RACK
afflict, try, torment, torture, rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress <ills that afflict the elderly>. try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control <children often try their parents' patience>. torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance <a horse tormented by flies>. torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering <tortured by a sense of guilt>. rack stresses straining or wrenching <a body racked by pain>.
5rack
verb
Definition of RACK
transitive verb
: to draw off (as wine) from the lees
Origin of RACK
Middle English rakken, from Old French (Norman & Picard dialect) reequier, probably from Late Latin reaedificare to rebuild, repair, improve, from Latin re- + aedificare to build — more at edify
First Known Use: 15th century
6rack
verb
Definition of RACK
intransitive verb
of a horse : to go at a rack
Origin of RACK
probably alteration of 1rock
First Known Use: 1530
7rack
noun
Definition of RACK
First Known Use of RACK
1580
8rack
noun
Definition of RACK
1
: the neck and spine of a forequarter of veal, pork, or especially mutton
2
: the rib section of a lamb's forequarters used for chops or as a roast — see lamb illustration
Origin of RACK
perhaps from 3rack
First Known Use: 1570
9rack
noun
Definition of RACK
: destruction <rack and ruin>
Origin of RACK
alteration of wrack
First Known Use: 1592
RACKER Defined for Kids
1rack
noun \ˈrak\
Definition of RACK for Kids
: a frame or stand for storing or displaying things <a magazine rack> <a hat rack>
2rack
verb
rackedrack·ing
Definition of RACK for Kids
1
: to cause to suffer torture, pain, or sorrow <He was racked by a cough.>
2
: to force to think hard <I racked my brain for an answer.>
Learn More About RACK
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up rack? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).