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 growth
2 : offensively gross or coarse : foul
3 obsolete : grown too large
4 a : shockingly conspicuous <must lecture him on his rank disloyalty — David Walden> b : outright —used as an intensive <rank beginners>
5 archaic : lustful, ruttish
6 : offensive in odor or flavor; especially : rancid
7 : putrid, festering
8 : high in amount or degree : fraught

synonyms see malodorous, flagrant

— rank·ly adverb

— rank·ness noun