n.
Pronunciation: ' ra ŋ k
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ranc overbearing, strong; akin to Old Norse rakkr erect and perhaps to Old English riht right ― more at RIGHT
Date: 13th century
1 : luxuriantly or excessively vigorous in growth
2 : offensively gross or coarse : FOUL
3 obsolete : grown too large
4 a : shockingly conspicuous <must lecture him on his rank disloyalty ― David Walden> b : OUTRIGHT ― used as an intensive < rank beginners>
5 archaic : LUSTFUL , RUTTISH
6 : offensive in odor or flavor especially : RANCID
7 : PUTRID , FESTERING
8 : high in amount or degree : FRAUGHT
synonyms see MALODOROUS , FLAGRANT
– rank · ly adverb
– rank · ness noun