26984 words

racks

9 definitions • 12 examples
1
a frame or shelf, often formed of bars, that is used to hold things:

Examples:

2
a wooden or plastic triangle used to arrange the balls at the start of a game of billiards, pool, snooker, etc.
3
in the past, a device to which people were tied that stretched their bodies by pulling their arms in one direction and their legs in the other direction, usually used as a way of forcing them to give information
4
a large piece of meat cut from the neck of a sheep or pig:

Examples:

We're having rack of lamb for dinner.
5
a bar with tooth-like parts along one edge that fits into a pinion (= a wheel with tooth-like parts) allowing change between circular and straight-line movement
6
a state of decay:

Examples:

go to rack and ruin The whole farm was going to rack and ruin.
7
to cause physical or mental pain, or trouble, to someone or something:

Examples:

Even at the end, when cancer racked his body, he was calm and cheerful.
The dog was already racked by/with the pains of old age.
He was racked by/with doubts/guilt.
8
a frame, often with bars or hooks, for holding or hanging things:

Examples:

9
to cause someone great physical or mental pain:

Examples:

Even near the end, when cancer racked his body, he remained hopeful.

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