Search results for 'race':

race¹ noun 1 a contest of speed between runners, horses, cars, etc. 2 (usually the races) a series of such contests over a fixed course, especially for horses or dogs • a day at the races. 3 any contest or rivalry, especially to be the first to do or get something • the arms race. 4 a fixed course, track or path over which anything runs. 5 a strong or rapid current of water in the sea or a river. 6 a channel conveying water to and from a mill wheel. 7 a groove in which something, eg a ball-bearing, moves or slides. 8 a regular traverse of a fixed course, eg of the sun. verb (raced, racing) 1 intrans to take part in a race. 2 to have a race with someone. 3 to cause (a horse, car, etc) to race. 4 intrans (usually race about or along or around) to run or move quickly and energetically. 5 intrans said of eg an engine or a propeller: to run wildly fast when resistance is removed. 6 tr & intr to move or make something move more quickly than usual. 7 intrans to own racehorses, or watch horse-racing as a hobby. racing noun the sport or practice of using animals (especially horses or dogs) or vehicles in contests of speed. Also as adj • racing car • racing pigeon.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Norse ras.

race² noun 1 any of the major divisions of humankind distinguished by a particular set of physical characteristics, such as size, hair type or skin colour. 2 a tribe, nation or similar group of people thought of as distinct from others. 3 (the human race) human beings as a group. 4 a group of animals or plants within a species, which have characteristics distinguishing them from other members of that species. 5 said of wine: the special flavour by which its origin may be recognized.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: French, from Italian razza.