—rail /reɪl/
noun (TRAINS)
B1 [U] the system of transport that uses trains:
» Environmentalists argue that more goods should be transported by rail.Thesaurus+: ↑Railways and railway linesF0 [C] one of the two metal bars fixed to the ground on which trains travel:
» A train left/went off the rails and crashed into the bank, killing several passengers.• • •
Extra Examples:» An inquiry was ordered into the recent rail disaster.» Government sources estimate a long-term 50% increase in rail fares.» The rail system is to put 20 million pounds into its modernization programme.» The question is whether road transit is cheaper than rail.» The resort is easily accessible by road, rail and air.noun [C] (BAR)
► C2 a horizontal bar fixed in position, especially to a wall or to vertical posts, used to close something off, as a support, or to hang things on: » Will spectators please stay behind the rail?» Hold onto the rail so that you don't fall.» The (clothes) rail in her wardrobe was crammed full of dresses.» He folded the towels and hung them on the towel rail (US towel rack).See picture: (UK) clothes rail/(US) clothes rack 
Thesaurus+: ↑Fences and rails
• • •
Extra Examples:» The bathroom has a heated towel rail.» I watched an old woman pull herself up the stairs, holding on to a rail.» They leaned over the rails and peered down into the dizzying chasm below.» The rails were full of expensive clothes.» We have a heated towel rail in our bathroom.verb [I + prep] FORMAL ↑Verb Endings for rail
► F0 to complain angrily: » He railed against/at the injustices of the system.Thesaurus+: ↑Complaining