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1

crank

play
noun \ ˈkraŋk \

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 a archaic :bend
b :a twist or turn of speech :conceit —used especially in the phrase quips and cranks
c (1) :caprice, crotchet
(2) :an annoyingly eccentric person; also :one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity
d :a bad-tempered person :grouch
3 :crystal meth; specifically :an impure form of crystal meth
—

crankish

play \ˈkraŋ-kish\ adjective

See crank defined for English-language learners

See crank defined for kids

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Examples of crank in a Sentence

  1. To open the car window, turn the crank on the door.

  2. He was dismissed as a crank until his article was published.

  3. Most people think she's just a harmless crank.

Origin and Etymology 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

crank Synonyms

Synonyms
character, codger, crack, crackbrain, crackpot, eccentric, flake, fruitcake, head case, kook, nut, nutcase, nutter [British slang], oddball, oddity, original, quiz, screwball, weirdo, zany
Related Words
bohemian, maverick, nonconformist, quixote; coot, geezer; curio, rarity; freak; fantast, fantastico
Near Antonyms
conformer, conformist, follower, sheep

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

2

crank

verb

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
  • crank an automobile
b :to rotate the shaft (such 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

Examples of crank in a Sentence

  1. He cranked the temperature to 75 degrees.

  2. Crank the engine to see if it will start.

First Known Use of crank

1592

3

crank

adjective

Definition of crank

:of, relating to, or being a bad-tempered or annoyingly eccentric person; also :made or sent by such a person or by someone intending to be an annoyance or to cause harm
  • crank calls
  • a crank letter

First Known Use of crank

1924

4

crank

adjective

Definition of crank

1 chiefly dialectal :merry, high-spirited
2 chiefly dialectal :cocky, confident

Origin and Etymology of crank

Middle English cranke

5

crank

adjective

Definition of crank

of a boat
:easily tipped :1tender 4d

Origin and Etymology of crank

short for crank-sided easily tipped

CRANK Defined for English Language Learners

crank

play
noun

Definition of crank for English Language Learners

  • : 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

crank

verb

Definition of crank for English Language Learners

  • : 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

CRANK Defined for Kids

1

crank

play
noun \ ˈkraŋk \

Definition of crank for Students

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
2

crank

verb

Definition of crank for Students

cranked; cranking
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

play
noun \ ˈkraŋk \

medical Definition of crank

:crystal meth; specifically :an impure form of crystal meth

Learn More about crank

  1. See words that rhyme with crank Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for crank Spanish Central: Translation of crank Nglish: Translation of crank for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crank for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crank

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Examples: crank in a Sentence