RACE

n. 1 each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics. 2 a tribe, nation, etc., regarded as of a distinct ethnic stock. 3 the fact or concept of division into races (discrimination based on race). 4 a genus, species, breed, or variety of animals, plants, or micro-organisms. 5 a group of persons, animals, or plants connected by common descent. 6 any great division of living creatures (the feathered race; the four-footed race). 7 descent; kindred (of noble race; separate in language and race). 8 a class of persons etc. with some common feature (the race of poets). ørace relations relations between members of different races usu. in the same country. race riot an outbreak of violence due to racial antagonism. [F f. It. razza, of unkn. orig.]