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Racking: meaning, definitions and examples

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racking

 

[ ˈrΓ¦kΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

physical strain

Racking refers to the act of causing someone to experience great physical pain or distress. It can also describe a process of intense mental or emotional anguish.

Synonyms

agitating, distressing, torturing

Examples of usage

  • The illness left him racking in pain.
  • She was racking her brain for a solution.
  • The experience was racking for everyone involved.
Context #2 | Noun

storage system

Racking is a structure or system used for storing goods, typically in warehouses or industrial settings. It consists of frameworks that hold and support products, making them easier to retrieve and organize.

Synonyms

framework, raster, shelving

Examples of usage

  • The warehouse has extensive racking for their inventory.
  • They installed new racking to maximize storage efficiency.
  • The company specializes in industrial racking systems.

Etymology

The term 'racking' originates from Middle English 'racken', which meant to torture or stretch. This comes from the Old English 'rΗ£ccan', meaning 'to stretch' or 'to strain'. The use of the word has evolved over centuries, reflecting both physical and emotional contexts. In warehouses and storage industries, the word has taken on a more utilitarian meaning related to the structures used for storing products. The physical connotation of racking is often associated with extreme discomfort or anguish, while in industrial contexts, it pertains to the utility and efficiency of storage solutions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,538, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.