Beelingo.com

English Dictionary

  • Hide translation

 rack rack /ˈræk/

noun

  1. () Framework for holding objects  ( rack )
    framework for holding objects
      He hung his coat on the rack by the entrance.
    He hung his coat on the rack by the entrance.
  2. A rapid gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately  ( rack , single-foot )
    a rapid gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately
  3. A form of torture in which pain is inflicted by stretching the body  ( rack )
    a form of torture in which pain is inflicted by stretching the body
     The prisoner was tortured using the rack in the medieval dungeon.
    The prisoner was tortured using the rack in the medieval dungeon.
  4. A support for displaying various articles  ( rack , stand )
    a support for displaying various articles
     The newspapers were arranged on a rack
    the newspapers were arranged on a rack
  5. An instrument of torture that stretches, disjoints or mutilates victims  ( rack , wheel )
    an instrument of torture that stretches, disjoints or mutilates victims
  6. The destruction or collapse of something  ( rack , wrack )
    the destruction or collapse of something
     Wrack and ruin
    wrack and ruin
  7. Rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton  ( rack )
    rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton

verb

  1. () Go at a rack  ( single-foot , rack )
    go at a rack
     The horses single-footed
    the horses single-footed
  2. () Stretch to the limits  ( rack )
    stretch to the limits
     Rack one's brains
    rack one's brains
  3. Torture on the rack  ( rack )
    torture on the rack
  4. Seize together, as of parallel ropes of a tackle in order to prevent running through the block  ( rack )
    seize together, as of parallel ropes of a tackle in order to prevent running through the block
  5. Work on a rack  ( rack )
    work on a rack
     Rack leather
    rack leather
  6. Torment emotionally or mentally  ( excruciate , rack , torment , torture )
    torment emotionally or mentally
      Waiting for the exam results felt like torture, as the outcome determined my future.
    Waiting for the exam results felt like torture, as the outcome determined my future.
  7. Draw off from the lees  ( rack )
    draw off from the lees
     Rack wine
    rack wine
  8. Fly in high wind  ( rack )
    fly in high wind
  9. Run before a gale  ( rack , scud )
    run before a gale
  10. [Archaic] Obtain by coercion or intimidation  ( extort , rack [Archaic] , squeeze , gouge [Informal] , wring )
    obtain by coercion or intimidation
     They extorted money from the executive by threatening to reveal his past to the company boss
    They extorted money from the executive by threatening to reveal his past to the company boss
     They squeezed money from the owner of the business by threatening him
    They squeezed money from the owner of the business by threatening him
  11. Put on a rack and pinion  ( rack )
    put on a rack and pinion
     Rack a camera
    rack a camera