rack
/ræk; ræk/ n
1 (often in compounds 常用以构成复合词) framework, usu with bars or pegs, for holding things or for hanging things on （放东西或挂东西用的）架子: a `plate-rack 盘碟架
a `wine-rack, ie for holding wine bottles 酒瓶架
a `toast-rack 面包片架 * a `hat-rack 帽架.
2 type of shelf for light luggage, coats, etc over the seats of a bus, train, plane, etc （公共汽车、 火车、 飞机等座位上方放置轻便行李、 衣物等的）行李架: a `luggage-rack 行李架.
3 rod, bar or rail with teeth or cogs, into which those of a wheel, gear, etc fit 齿条; 齿板; 齿轨
a `steering rack, eg on a cable car 转向齿条（如缆车上的）. Cf 参看 pinion2.
rack / ræk; ræk/ n
1 (usu 通常作 the rack) (formerly) instrument of torture consisting of a frame with rollers to which a person's wrists and ankles were tied so that his joints were stretched when the rollers were turned （旧时）拉肢拷问台（一种刑具）
put sb on the rack 对某人施以拉肢之刑.
2 (idm 习语) on the `rack in severe pain or mental distress （肉体或精神上）受极大折磨. rack, v
1 [Tn] torture (sb) on the rack 以拉肢之刑拷问或折磨（某人）.
2 [Tn esp passive 尤用於被动语态]
(of disease, pain or mental distress) cause agony to (sb) （指疾病、 疼痛、 苦恼等）使（某人）极为痛苦
racked with pain, fever, etc 因疼痛、 发烧等而痛苦
A coughing fit racked her whole body. 她一阵咳嗽全身都十分难受.
a voice racked by sobs/weeping 抽抽搭搭[哭哭啼啼]的痛苦的声音
racked by (feelings of) guilt, remorse, doubt, etc 深受内疚、 悔恨、 怀疑等之苦.
3 (idm 习语) rack one's `brain(s) try very hard to think of sth or recall sth 苦思某事; 努力回忆某事
We racked our brains for an answer. 我们为寻找答案而绞尽脑汁.
I've been racking my brains (trying) to remember his name. 我一直在回想他的名字.
rack / ræk; ræk/ n (idm 习语) go to ,rack and `ruin fall into a ruined or disorganized state through neglect 因忽视而致毁坏、 混乱或瓦解
The old empty house soon went to rack and ruin. 这所旧的空房子很快就毁坏了.
This country is going to rack and ruin; we need a change of government. 这个国家正在分崩离析, 我们需要更换政府.