noun

1. a competition of speed in running, skating, riding, etc.
2. a series of such competitions for horses, cars, etc. on a regular course
3. any contest or competition likened to a race the race for mayor, a race for power
4. a steady onward movement or course
5. the span of life
6. 1. a swift current of water
   2. the channel for a current of water, esp. one built to use the water industrially a millrace
7. a channel or groove for the moving parts of a machine, as the groove for the balls in a ball bearing
8. Aeron. slipstream

Etymology: ME (North) ras(e) < ON rās, a running, rush, akin to OE ræs, swift movement, attack < IE *eras-, to flow, move rapidly < base *er-, *or-, to set in motion > run, orient

intransitive verb raced, racing rac′·ing

1. to take part in a competition of speed; run a race
2. to go or move swiftly
3. to move or revolve so swiftly as to be out of control, because of less resistance or a lighter load: said of machinery

transitive verb

1. to compete with in a competition of speed
2. to enter or run (a horse, etc.) in a race
3. 1. to cause to go swiftly
   2. to cause (an engine) to run at high speed with the drive gears disengaged