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Crank
01
a device that allows movement between mechanical parts of a machine or converts backward and forward motion into circular movement
Examples
The engineer used a crank to manually adjust the height of the lifting mechanism.
The crank mechanism in the machine allowed for precise control of the rotational speed.
02
an unconventional person
Examples
He 's a charming crank with unusual hobbies.
The inventor was a crank who loved peculiar experiments.
03
methamphetamine, typically in powdered or crystalline form, often used recreationally
SlangExamples
He bought some crank from a dealer downtown.
Some people snort crank to stay awake and alert.
04
a person who is easily irritated or bad-tempered
Examples
Do n't mind him; he 's always been a crank.
The crank complained about every minor inconvenience.
to crank
01
to rotate, turn, or operate using a crank handle
Examples
He cranked the winch to raise the sail.
She cranked the old car engine to start it.
02
to bend, twist, or shape something into the form of a crank
Examples
The metal rod was cranked to fit the machine.
Blacksmiths cranked the iron bars for the mechanism.
03
to fasten or secure using a crank mechanism
Examples
The gate was cranked closed during the storm.
They cranked the winch to tighten the cable.
04
to start an engine or device by turning a crank
Examples
He cranked the motorbike to start the engine.
The old generator had to be cranked manually.
05
to travel, move, or progress along a zigzag or winding path
Examples
The river cranked through the valley.
The road cranked through the hills.
crank
01
(of a boat) tending to heel, tip, or lean over easily under sail
Examples
The small dinghy is crank and needs careful handling in strong winds.
Crank boats are more likely to capsize if not balanced properly.
Lexical Tree
cranky
crank
