First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1crank
noun \ˈkraŋk\
: a machine part with a handle that can be turned in a circular motion to move something
: a person who has strange ideas or thinks too much about one thing
: a person who is often angry or easily annoyed
Full Definition of CRANK
1
: a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa
2
See crank defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CRANK
Middle English cranke, from Old English cranc- (as in crancstæf, a weaving instrument); probably akin to Middle High German krank weak, sick — more at cringe
Related to CRANK
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
2crank
verb
: to move (something) by turning a crank
: to increase (something) especially by a large amount
: to start or try to start (an engine) by using a crank or some other method to get it moving
Full Definition of CRANK
intransitive verb
1
: to move with a winding course : zigzag
2
a : to turn a crank b : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank c : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity —usually used with up <the campaign is cranking up>
transitive verb
1
: to move or operate by or as if by a crank <crank the window down>
2
a : to cause to start (as an automobile) b : to rotate the shaft (as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter <crank over an engine> c : to use in trying to start an engine <crank the starter>
3
a : to start as if by use of a crank —usually used with up <she cranked up the air conditioner> b : turn up 2 —usually used with up <crank up the volume>
See crank defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRANK
1592
3crank
adjective
Definition of CRANK
: of, relating to, or being a cranky or eccentric person; also : made or sent by such a person <crank calls> <a crank letter>
First Known Use of CRANK
1924
4crank
adjective
Definition of CRANK
1
chiefly dialect : merry, high-spirited
Origin of CRANK
Middle English cranke
First Known Use: 15th century
5crank
adjective
Definition of CRANK
of a boat : easily tipped : tender 7d
Origin of CRANK
short for crank-sided easily tipped
First Known Use: circa 1649
CRANKISH Defined for Kids
1crank
noun \ˈkraŋk\
Definition of CRANK for Kids
1
: a bent part with a handle that is turned to start or run machinery
2
: a person with strange ideas
3
: a cross or irritable person
2crank
verb
crankedcrank·ing
Definition of CRANK for Kids
1
: to start or run by or as if by turning a part with a handle
2
: to make or become greater in speed or intensity <crank the volume>
— crank out
: to produce quickly and often carelessly <You can't just crank out a good book.>
Medical Dictionary
crank
noun \ˈkraŋk\
Learn More About CRANK
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