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