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race1

  • noun 1 a competition between runners, horses, vehicles, etc. to see which is fastest over a set course. 2 (the races) a series of races for horses or dogs, held at a fixed time on a set course. 3 a situation in which people compete to be first to achieve something. 4 a strong or rapid current flowing through a narrow channel. 5 a water channel, especially one in a mill or mine. 6 a smooth ring-shaped groove or guide for a ball bearing or roller bearing.

  • verb 1 compete in a race. 2 have a race with. 3 prepare and enter (an animal or vehicle) for races. 4 move or progress swiftly. 5 (of machinery) operate at excessive speed.

  — ORIGIN Old Norse, ‘current’.

 

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