rack server
compound.compound. a computer designed to be installed in a metal frame called a rack. These are used in data centers to save space by stacking many computers on top of each other.
compound. a computer specifically designed for mounting within a standardized 19-inch rack frame. This form factor allows for high-density hardware configurations and efficient cooling within a server room or data center environment.
The technician installed a new rack server in the data center.
To handle the increased website traffic, the company purchased three more rack servers to expand their existing infrastructure.
Unlike tower servers that occupy significant floor space, a rack server utilizes a slim chassis that slides into a vertical cabinet, maximizing the computational power per square foot.
A compound formed from the noun rack, denoting a framework for holding objects, and server, derived from the verb serve. The terminology reflects the physical integration of computing hardware into standardised industrial shelving systems.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used as a compound noun; the plural form is 'rack servers'.
Last updated July 22, 2026