crank
//kræŋk//
Noun
crankSingular
cranksPlural
1
A bent arm or shaft used to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion or vice versa.
The mechanic replaced the broken crank on the engine.
2
A handle attached at right angles to a rotating shaft, used to turn the shaft.
Turn the crank clockwise to start the engine.
Noun
crankSingular
cranksPlural
1
An eccentric or bad-tempered person, especially one obsessed with a particular subject.
My neighbor is a bit of a crank who complains about everything.
Verb
crankInfinitive
crankPresent tense
crankedPast tense
crankedPast participle
crankingPresent participle
cranksThird-person singular
1
To turn or rotate a crank to start or operate something.
He cranked the handle to start the old engine.
2
To increase or intensify something, especially volume or speed.
He cranked up the volume on the radio.
Adjective
crankCanonical form
1
Liable to capsize; unstable (of a boat or ship).
The old fishing boat was crank and dangerous in rough seas.