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rank

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rank

Main Entry:: ¹rank
Pronunciation:: \ˈraŋk\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English ranc overbearing, strong; akin to Old Norse rakkr erect and perhaps to Old English riht right — more at right
Date:: 13th century

1: luxuriantly or excessively vigorous in growth2: offensively gross or coarse : foul3obsolete : grown too large4 a: shockingly conspicuous <must lecture him on his rank disloyalty — David Walden> b: outright —used as an intensive <rank beginners>5archaic : lustful , ruttish6: offensive in odor or flavor ; especially : rancid7: putrid , festering8: high in amount or degree : fraught

synonyms see malodorous, flagrant

— rank·ly adverb

— rank·ness noun

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