rack
rack
ræk
rāk
British pronunciation
/ræk/

Definition & Meaning of "rack"in English

Rack
01

a structure or frame designed to hold or store objects

rack definition and meaning
example
Examples
He placed the books on the rack in the study.
The bicycle was secured in the rack outside.
02

a section of meat, usually from the front ribs of a pig or lamb

rack definition and meaning

What is "rack"?

A rack typically refers to a cut of meat, often from lamb or pork, that is taken from the rib section and cooked as a whole piece. A rack of meat is distinguished by its presentation, where the ribs are left intact and usually frenched, meaning the meat and fat are removed from the end of each rib bone for aesthetic purposes. These cuts are prized for their tenderness, flavor, and impressive appearance, often served as a centerpiece for special occasions or elegant dinners. They can be prepared using various cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, or pan-searing, and are often seasoned with herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance their flavor.

example
Examples
The chef prepared a rack of lamb for dinner.
He roasted a rack of pork with herbs.
03

a support or stand for presenting or exhibiting items for sale or display

What is a "rack"?

A rack in this sense is a structured support or stand designed to hold, organize, and present items for sale or display, making them easily visible and accessible to viewers or customers. It can take various forms—rotating, glass, counter, or stand-up—but its purpose is consistent: to showcase merchandise efficiently and attractively, whether magazines, jewelry, pastries, brochures, or shoes.

example
Examples
Magazines were stacked on the newsstand rack.
The store arranged greeting cards on a revolving rack.
04

a rapid, ambling gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately

example
Examples
The horse moved with a smooth rack across the field.
Riders favored horses trained in the rack for endurance.
05

an instrument designed to stretch, disjoint, or mutilate victims for torture

example
Examples
The torturer prepared the rack for the prisoner.
Victims were often immobilized on the rack.
06

the collapse or severe deterioration of something

example
Examples
The storm left the town in a rack of debris.
Years of neglect brought the building to a rack.
07

a thousand dollars, often used to describe stacks of money

SlangSlang
example
Examples
He spent a rack on those new sneakers.
She saved up ten racks to put toward a new car.
to rack
01

(of a horse) to move with a particular type of smooth, ambling gait characterized by a rhythmic motion

Intransitive
example
Examples
The horse racked gracefully across the field, its movements smooth and steady.
She admired the way the stallion racked as it trotted beside the stable.
02

to stretch, twist, or strain something violently

Transitive: to rack sth
example
Examples
The intense workout racked his muscles, leaving him sore for days.
The storm racked the trees, bending their trunks in the fierce winds.
03

to torture using a device designed to stretch or elongate the body, causing extreme pain

Transitive: to rack sb
example
Examples
The captured spy was brutally racked to extract information from him.
Historical accounts describe how prisoners were racked during interrogations in medieval dungeons.
04

to gather and secure ropes, such as in a tackle system, by tying or binding them together

Transitive: to rack ropes
example
Examples
The sailor racked the ropes to ensure the lines were neatly secured for the next maneuver.
He racked the lines of the tackle to keep everything organized and ready for use.
05

to treat or process material, such as cloth or other items, by placing it on a rack for handling, drying, or further treatment

Transitive: to rack material
example
Examples
The tailor racked the fabric to allow it to dry before cutting the patterns.
After washing, the clothes were racked to air dry and avoid wrinkles.
06

to subject someone to severe physical or emotional pain or suffering

Transitive: to rack sb | to rack sb with a feeling
example
Examples
The constant worry over her missing child racked her with anxiety.
The injury to his back racked him with excruciating pain for days.
07

to draw or siphon off liquid, such as wine or beer, from the sediment or bottom of a barrel

Transitive: to rack a drink
example
Examples
The winemaker carefully racked the wine to remove the sediment before bottling it.
After fermenting, they racked the beer to ensure a clearer finish.
08

to fly or move quickly and erratically in high wind

Intransitive
example
Examples
The clouds racked across the sky, racing ahead of the approaching storm.
The flags racked in the strong gusts, snapping violently in the wind.
09

to cause someone great suffering through harassment or oppressive actions, such as extortion or undue pressure

Transitive: to rack sb/sth
example
Examples
The poor family was racked by debt, struggling under the weight of oppressive loans.
The manager racked the workers with endless overtime, pushing them beyond their limits.
10

to put or hang something on a rack, often for storage or display

Transitive: to rack sth
example
Examples
She racked the coats in the hallway closet after the guests arrived.
The chef racked the clean dishes to dry them before putting them away.
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