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Definition of rack
(Entry 1 of 9)
1 : a framework, stand, or grating on or in which articles are placed
2 : an instrument of torture on which a body is stretched
3a(1) : a cause of anguish or pain
(2) : acute suffering
b : the action of straining or wrenching
4a : 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
5 : a pair of antlers
7 : a triangular frame used to set up the balls in a pool game also : the balls as set up
8 : a framework for holding fodder for livestock
on the rack
: under great emotional stress
rack
verb (1)racked; racking; racks
Definition of rack (Entry 2 of 9)
1 : to cause to suffer torture, pain, anguish, or ruin
2 : to place (balls, such as pool balls) in a rack
3a : to stretch or strain violently
b : to raise (rents) oppressively
c : to harass or oppress with high rents or extortions
4 : to torture on the rack
5 : to work or treat (material) on a rack
6 : to work by a rack and pinion or worm so as to extend or contract
rack a camera
7 : to seize (ropes, such as parallel ropes of a tackle) together
: to become forced out of shape or out of plumb
rack
noun (2)Definition of rack (Entry 3 of 9)
1 : the rib section of a lamb's forequarters used for chops or as a roast — see lamb illustration
2 : the neck and spine of a forequarter of veal, pork, or especially mutton
rack
noun (3)Definition of rack (Entry 4 of 9)
: destruction rack and ruin
rack
noun (4)Definition of rack (Entry 5 of 9)
: either of two gaits of a horse:
a : pace sense 4b
b : a fast showy 4-beat gait similar to the pace but in which the feet of the same side do not touch down at the same time
rack
verb (2)racked; racking; racks
Definition of rack (Entry 6 of 9)
rack
noun (5)Definition of rack (Entry 7 of 9)
: a wind-driven mass of high often broken clouds
rack
verb (3)racked; racking; racks
Definition of rack (Entry 8 of 9)
: to fly or scud in high wind
rack
verb (4)racked; racking; racks
Definition of rack (Entry 9 of 9)
: to draw off (wine) from the lees
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Time Traveler for rack
The first known use of rack was in the 14th century
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