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Rack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rack

[ræk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

storage

A framework or stand in or on which to hold, hang, or display various articles: a plate rack.

Synonyms

holder, shelf, stand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rack

This term can also be used to describe a support structure specifically for clothes or accessories.

  • The store has a sale; all items on the clothing rack are 50% off.
  • He quickly grabbed a shirt from the rack before heading out.
stand

Refers to an upright support structure, often used to hold items at a convenient height for use or display.

  • He set his music on the stand before starting to play.
  • The artist displayed her sculptures on elegant stands.
shelf

Commonly used to describe a flat, horizontal surface used for storing or displaying items, typically attached to a wall or within a piece of furniture.

  • Place the books on the shelf in the living room.
  • The spices are neatly organized on the kitchen shelf.
holder

Refers to an object designed to hold a specific item or group of items, often used for smaller or more specialized items.

  • I bought a new toothbrush holder for the bathroom.
  • She uses a pencil holder to keep her desk organized.

Examples of usage

  • The kitchen had a rack for all the pots and pans.
  • She placed the books on the rack by the door.
Context #2 | Verb

strain

To strain in mental effort: He racked his brain to solve the puzzle.

Synonyms

exert, push, struggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rack

This word is often used to describe someone being subjected to severe mental or physical strain. It has a negative connotation when referring to pain, distress, or torture.

  • The guilt continued to rack him every night.
  • Her body was racked with pain after the accident.
struggle

This word is used to describe situations where someone faces difficulty or makes a great effort to overcome a problem. It often has a connotation of hardship or resistance.

  • She struggled to understand the complicated instructions.
  • The team struggled against their rivals but eventually won the match.
exert

This word is suitable for formal contexts. It means to apply effort or influence, usually to achieve a specific outcome.

  • She had to exert a lot of effort to lift the heavy box.
  • The company exerted pressure on the government to change the law.
push

Commonly used in informal situations, it means to apply force to move something away or to make an extra effort to achieve a goal.

  • He had to push the car up the hill.
  • She decided to push herself harder to meet the deadline.

Examples of usage

  • She racked her brains trying to remember where she left her keys.
  • He racked his brain to come up with a solution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In modern slang, 'rack' can refer to a large quantity of money, indicating wealth or prosperity.
  • In popular music, the term has been used in lyrics to refer to possessions and success.
  • The display racks in stores are key for marketing, as they showcase products effectively to attract buyers.

Science

  • Racking is a process used in chemistry to separate solids from liquids, often using devices similar to a rack.
  • In physics, a rack can refer to a type of gear mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion.
  • Experimentation with racks in laboratory settings helps organize samples and maintain order.

Literature

  • The phrase 'rack one's brain' is commonly used in literature to describe intense thinking or puzzling over a problem.
  • In Shakespeare's works, varied interpretations of 'racking' include both suspense and tension, emphasizing emotional stakes.
  • Many stories feature racks in settings to create order or chaos, depending on the narrative context.

Origin of 'rack'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rack' comes from Old English 'raca', which means to torture or to stretch something.
  • Over time, its meaning evolved, and in Middle English, it started to refer to a framework for holding items.
  • The term has a similar root in various languages, often relating to something that holds or supports.

The word 'rack' originated from Middle Dutch 'rac', meaning a framework or support. The term has evolved over time to refer to various objects used for holding or displaying items. In the 16th century, 'rack' was also used to describe a medieval torture device. The verb form of 'rack' emerged in the 14th century, meaning to cause extreme physical or mental pain. Over the years, the word has maintained its dual usage in both physical and mental contexts.

See also: racket.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,715 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.