race

1.
n. & v.
—n.
1 a contest of speed between runners, horses, vehicles, ships, etc.
2 (in pl.) a series of these for horses, dogs, etc. at a fixed time on a regular course.
3 a contest between persons to be first to achieve something.
4 a a strong or rapid current flowing through a narrow channel in the sea or a river (a tide race). b the channel of a stream etc. (a mill-race).
5 each of two grooved rings in a ball-bearing or roller bearing.
6 Austral. a fenced passageway for drafting sheep etc.
7 a passageway along which football players etc. run to enter the field.
8 (in weaving) the channel along which the shuttle moves.
9 archaic a the course of the sun or moon. b the course of life (has run his race).
—v.
1 intr. take part in a race.
2 tr. have a race with.
3 tr. try to surpass in speed.
4 intr. (foll. by with) compete in speed with.
5 tr. cause (a horse, car, etc.) to race.
6 a intr. go at full or (of an engine, propeller, the pulse, etc.) excessive speed. b tr. cause (a person or thing) to do this (raced the bill through the House).
7 intr. (usu. as racing adj.) follow or take part in horse-racing (a racing man).
Phrases and idioms:
not in the race Austral. sl. having no chance. race meeting a sequence of horse-races at one place. racing car a motor car built for racing on a prepared track.
Etymology: ME, = running, f. ON raacutes
2.
n.
1 each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics.
2 a tribe, nation, etc., regarded as of a distinct ethnic stock.
3 the fact or concept of division into races (discrimination based on race).
4 a genus, species, breed, or variety of animals, plants, or micro-organisms.
5 a group of persons, animals, or plants connected by common descent.
6 any great division of living creatures (the feathered race; the four-footed race).
7 descent; kindred (of noble race; separate in language and race).
8 a class of persons etc. with some common feature (the race of poets).
Phrases and idioms:
race relations relations between members of different races usu. in the same country. race riot an outbreak of violence due to racial antagonism.
Etymology: F f. It. razza, of unkn. orig.
3.
n. a ginger root.
Etymology: OF rais, raiz f. L radix radicis root