What does CRANK mean?

Heres the information you requested: crank

Part of Speech: Noun, Verb

Definition:

• (n.) A part of an axle or shaft bent out at right angles, for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion, or vice versa.
• (n.) A person with odd ideas or behavior.
• (v.) To turn a crank.
• (v.) To start an engine by turning a crank.

Pronunciations:

• US: /kræŋk/
• UK: /kræŋk/

Origin and Usage:

The word "crank" originated from the Middle English word "cranke," which means "bent, crooked, or winding." The noun form of "crank" has been used since the early 17th century, while the verb form has been used since the late 17th century. The noun form of "crank" has been used to refer to a part of an axle or shaft since the early 18th century, while the meaning of "a person with odd ideas or behavior" has been in use since the mid-19th century.

Synonyms:

• (n.) Handle, lever, arm, shaft, rod, spindle
• (n.) Eccentric, oddball, kook, weirdo, nut
• (v.) Turn, rotate, spin, revolve

Related Words:

• Clank
• Drank
• Frank
• Prank
• Rank

Example Sentences:

• He used a crank to start the old car.
• The inventor created a new kind of crank to turn the generator.
• Some people thought he was a crank for believing in aliens.
• Shes always been a bit of a crank, but we love her anyway.