Etymology 1

From , from , of uncertain origin.

Some authorities have suggested derivation from raza, rasa from earlier ras, res "head of cattle" from . This, however, is difficult to support, since Italian razza predates the Spanish word.

Another likely source is raiza "line", a literal rendering of linea sanguinis "bloodline of descent".
Raiza is of origin, akin to reiza "line", rīta "to score, log, outline".

Noun

1. A large group of people distinguished from others on the basis of a common heritage.

   The Anglo-Saxon race

2. A large group of people distinguished from others on the basis of common, genetically linked, physical characteristics, such as skin color or hair type.

   Race was a significant issue during apartheid in South Africa.

3. One of the categories from the many subcategorizations of the human species. See Wikipedia's article on historical definitions of race.

   The Native Americans colonized the New World in several waves from Asia, and thus they are part of the same Mongoloid race.

4. A population geographically separated from others of its species that develops significantly different characteristics; informal for subspecies.
5. A breed or strain of domesticated animal.
6. A category or species of something that has emerged or evolved from an older one (with an implied parallel to animal breeding or evolutionary science).

   The advent of the Internet has brought about a new race of entrepreneur.

   Recent developments in artificial intelligence has brought about a new race of robots that can perform household chores without supervision.

Etymology 2

from , akin to Old English , compare Danish, Norwegian and Swedish .

Noun

1. A contest between people, animals, vehicles, etc. where the goal is to be the first to reach some objective. Several horses run in a horse race, and the first one to reach the finishing post wins; in an arms race several countries each try to acquire more powerful weapons than any other.
2. A progressive movement toward a goal.
3. A fast moving current of water.
4. Travels, runs, or journeys.
5. A rhizome, especially of ginger.
6. The bushings of a rolling element bearing which contacts the rolling elements.

Verb

1. To take part in a race (in the sense of a contest).
2. To move or drive at high speed.

   As soon as it was time to go home, he raced for the door.

   Her heart was racing as she peered into the dimly lit room.

3. Of a motor, to run rapidly when not engaged to a transmission.