verb
rack
To draw liquid off its sediment into another container.
The winemaker racks the wine into a clean glass jug.
Etymology
Probably from a northern French wine-making verb for drawing off liquid. The frame or torture-rack word does not explain it.
More examples
- We rack the cider carefully, leaving the sediment behind.
- She racked the beer into another container after the yeast settled.
- Racking the wine too soon can stir up the sediment.
Forms
rack · racks · racked · racking
Similar words
- decant
- Usually involves pouring gently rather than transferring through a tube.
- siphon
- Specifies transfer through a tube, not necessarily separation from sediment.