racks
/ræks/
NOUN
1. Frames or structures for holding and displaying objects
A series of shelves or a frame designed to hold, store, organize, or display items.
1.1. Storage and display structures
Structures with shelves, bars, or supports used to organize and display tools, clothing, equipment, or other objects.
Synonyms
- shelves
- shelving units
- storage units
- stands
Examples
- The mechanic organized the tools on the workshop racks.
- The clothing store displayed its latest collections on stylish racks.
Related Words
- shelving
- cabinets
- bookcases
- storage
- organizers
- pallets
1.2. Vehicle and luggage carriers
Frames attached to vehicles or vessels for carrying luggage, bicycles, or other equipment.
Synonyms
- carriers
- luggage carriers
- roof racks
Examples
- The travelers secured their luggage on the vehicle's racks.
- The bicycles were mounted on racks attached to the car.
Related Words
- vehicle frames
- roof rails
- cargo carriers
- bike carriers
1.3. Beds and sleeping frames
Beds or bed frames, including structures designed to provide sleeping space.
Synonyms
Examples
- The hostel provided several racks for its guests to sleep on.
- The small apartment used foldable beds to save space.
Related Words
- bedsteads
- mattresses
- bassinets
- hammocks
- trundle beds
- four-posters
1.4. Mechanical bars and gear components
Toothed bars or mechanical components that work with gears, pinions, or pawls to transmit motion or control movement.
Synonyms
- gear racks
- ratchet bars
Examples
- The machine uses racks and pinions to convert rotational motion into linear movement.
Related Words
- gearwheels
- pinions
- pawls
- ratchets
- mechanisms
1.5. Antler sets and rib cuts
Sets of antlers belonging to animals such as deer or moose, or cuts of meat containing several adjacent ribs.
Synonyms
- antlers
- rib racks
Examples
- The hunter admired the impressive racks displayed on the wall.
- The butcher prepared several racks of lamb for the restaurant.
Related Words
- deer
- moose
- elk
- ribs
- roasts
1.6. Billiards ball arrangements
Triangular frames used to arrange billiard or pool balls before a game begins.
Synonyms
- ball racks
- triangles
Examples
- The player placed the balls inside the racks before starting the game.
Related Words
- billiards
- pool
- cue balls
- pool balls
NOUN
2. Devices or equipment used for torture and physical restraint
Instruments or frames used to stretch, restrain, or torture a person, or equipment used in specialized activities.
2.1. Torture and physical suffering
Devices historically used to stretch a person's body as a form of torture.
Synonyms
- torture devices
- instruments of torture
Examples
- Historical accounts describe prisoners being tortured on racks.
Related Words
- torture
- agony
- torment
- suffering
- restraint
2.2. Climbing and rope equipment
Specialized equipment used by climbers to manage ropes, protection, and belaying systems.
Synonyms
- climbing gear
- protection equipment
Examples
- The climber checked the racks of protective equipment before beginning the ascent.
Related Words
- carabiners
- slings
- runners
- belays
- ropes
VERB
3. Causing pain, distress, or physical strain
To cause someone to suffer pain, distress, discomfort, or severe physical or mental strain.
3.1. Inflicting pain or suffering
Causing physical or emotional pain, distress, or torment to someone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- comforts
- soothes
- relieves
- eases
- consoles
Examples
- The persistent injury racks the athlete with pain.
- Guilt racks his conscience whenever he remembers what happened.
Related Words
- anguishes
- oppresses
- persecutes
- plagues
- worries
- troubles
3.2. Stretching or straining physically
Stretching, pulling, or putting something under considerable physical strain.
Synonyms
- strains
- stretches
- wrenches
- pulls
Antonyms
- eases
- relaxes
Examples
- The uneven forces rack the structure during the earthquake.
- The intense exercise racks the muscles with repeated strain.
Related Words
- stresses
- bends
- twists
- tensions
VERB
4. Placing objects on a rack or arranging them
To place, hang, or arrange something on a rack or in a rack-shaped formation.
4.1. Arranging billiard balls
Placing billiard or pool balls into a triangular frame before the start of a game.
Synonyms
- arranges
- sets up
- positions
Examples
- The referee racks the balls before each game.
Related Words
- billiards
- pool
- break
- triangle
4.2. Placing or hanging items on storage racks
Putting objects onto racks for storage, organization, or display.
Synonyms
- stores
- shelves
- organizes
- displays
Examples
- The workers rack the products after checking their labels.
Related Words
- hangs
- arranges
- positions
- stores
VERB
5. Moving rapidly or at a fast amble
To move, travel, or proceed forward rapidly; also, to move with the fast, rocking gait of a pacing horse.
5.1. Rapid movement or travel
Moving or proceeding forward quickly.
Synonyms
- drives
- moves
- advances
- hurries
Antonyms
- slows
- halts
Examples
- The horse racks along the trail at a brisk pace.
Related Words
- ambles
- paces
- rushes
- proceeds
VERB
6. Clarifying fermented beverages
To clarify beer, wine, or cider by draining or siphoning the liquid away from the sediment.
6.1. Separating liquid from sediment
Transferring a fermented beverage away from accumulated sediment to clarify it and prevent further fermentation.
Synonyms
- siphons
- decants
- transfers
Examples
- The brewer racks the beer into a clean container after fermentation.
Related Words
- fermentation
- sediment
- brewing
- wine
- cider