race

Ⅰ.

race [1] ► 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' .

Ⅱ.

race [2] ► NOUN 1) each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics. 2) racial origin or distinction: rights based on race. 3) a group of people sharing the same culture, language, etc.; an ethnic group. 4) a group of people or things with a common feature. 5) Biology a distinct population within a species; a subspecies.

USAGE Some people now feel that the word race should be avoided, because of its associations with the now discredited theories of 19th-century anthropologists and physiologists about supposed racial superiority. Terms such as people, community, or ethnic group are less emotionally charged.

ORIGIN French, from Italian razza.