race¹ / rās/ • n. 1. a competition between runners, horses, vehicles, boats, etc., to see which is the fastest in covering a set course: I won the first 50-lap race. ∎  (the races) a series of such competitions for horses or dogs, held at a fixed time on a set course. ∎  [in sing.] a situation in which individuals or groups compete to be first to achieve a particular objective: the race for nuclear power. ∎ archaic the course of the sun or moon through the heavens.2. a strong or rapid current flowing through a narrow channel in the sea or a river: angling for tuna in turbulent tidal races.3. a groove, channel, or passage, in particular: ∎  a water channel, esp. one built to lead water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, as in a mill or mine. See also millrace. ∎  a smooth, ring-shaped groove or guide in which a ball bearing or roller bearing runs.• v. 1. [intr.] compete with another or others to see who is fastest at covering a set course or achieving an objective: the vet took blood samples from the horses before they raced | [tr.] attorneys have to think twice before they race each other to the courthouse. ∎  compete regularly in races as a sport or leisure activity: the next year, he raced again for the team. ∎  [tr.] prepare and enter (an animal or vehicle) in races as a sport or leisure activity: he raced his three horses simply for the fun of it.2. [intr.] move or progress swiftly or at full speed: I raced into the house| fig. she spoke automatically, while her mind raced ahead. ∎  (of an engine or other machinery) operate at excessive speed: the truck came to rest against a tree. ∎  (of a person's heart or pulse) beat faster than usual because of fear or excitement. ∎  [tr.] cause to move, progress, or operate swiftly or at excessive speed: she'd driven like a madwoman, racing the engine and swerving around corners.PHRASES: a race against time a situation in which something must be done before a particular point in time: it was a race against time to reach shore before the dinghy sank.race² • n. each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics: people of all races, colors, and creeds. ∎  a group of people sharing the same culture, history, language, etc.; an ethnic group: we Scots were a bloodthirsty race then. ∎  the fact or condition of belonging to such a division or group; the qualities or characteristics associated with this: people of mixed race. ∎  a group or set of people or things with a common feature or features: some male firefighters still regarded women as a race apart. ∎  Biol. a population within a species that is distinct in some way, esp. a subspecies: people have killed so many tigers that two races are probably extinct. ∎  (in nontechnical use) each of the major divisions of living creatures: a member of the human race the race of birds. ∎ poetic/lit. a group of people descended from a common ancestor: a prince of the race of Solomon. ∎ archaic ancestry: two coursers of ethereal race.